§ 49. Mr. Sloanasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that grave disquietude prevails amongst the mining population of Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire at the scarcity of both rationed and unrationed food; that there is grave danger of loss of output if more nutritive food is not available; and will he now consider the advisability of making some allowance to miners engaged in this work who, because of atmospheric conditions, suffer considerable loss of weight during their working shift?
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)As regards sugar, fats, meat and tea, my hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the weekly rationed quantity is the same for all sections of the population. I am not aware of any special shortage of other staple foods in Ayrshire and Dumfriesshire. I would, however, refer my hon. Friend to replies which I am giving to other Questions to-day in regard to cheese supplies for miners and supplementary rations for special classes of workers.
§ Mr. SloanWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that some of the mines in Ayrshire are very hot and that there is considerable loss of weight during the working shift? Will he take that into consideration?
§ Mr. MarshallWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind also that considerable discontent exists among munition workers at the inadequacy of the meat ration and the inability to purchase cheese?