HC Deb 27 February 1941 vol 369 cc632-3
62. Mrs. Tate

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, on Sunday, 23rd February, the Great Western Railway trains travelling between Plymouth and London were serving for dinner thick soup, chicken and vegetables, fruit tart and cheese and biscuits; and whether, in view of the serious shortage of cheese and its high nutritive value, he will, for the present, reserve it for agricultural workers, coalminers and quarrymen, who normally take lunch out with them and whose heavy manual labour entitles them to it?

Major Lloyd George

My Noble Friend has just issued an Order which will have the effect of preventing the service or consumption of meat, fish or poultry, and cheese at the same meal. The question of making improved arrangements for the distribution of cheese is being urgently considered.

Mrs. Tate

While there is a shortage of cheese, will the Parliamentary Secretary consider reserving cheese for those engaged on heavy manual labour who normally take it for their lunch?

Major Lloyd George

On more than one occasion I have stated that the question is now being actively considered. One of the difficulties is that this particular commodity is in exceptionally short supply, but we are doing the best we possibly can.

Mr. Charles Williams

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that on the same train and line on 21st and 24th February I was, quite rightly, not allowed cheese and meat?

Mrs. Tate

I must insist that the facts I have given are absolutely accurate.

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