§ 60. Mr. Simmondsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Ministry of Food, whether he is satisfied that there exists in 565 his Ministry an efficient organisation for the prediction of food requirements and supply?
Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir. I would remind my hon. Friend, however, that our predictions of food requirements and supplies must necessarily be revised from time to time in the light of changing circumstances.
§ Mr. SimmondsIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that there is a very strong impression that the fluctuations in the rationing of some food week by week, particularly meat, is not entirely due to variation in the supply but is due to the fact that there is not sufficiently careful prediction of what that supply will be? Will my hon. and gallant Friend have the matter further examined to see that rationing is more stabilised week by week?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIt is not possible in changing circumstances to predict with any certainty of accuracy what the situation will be in a few weeks' time, but I can assure my hon. Friend that everything possible is done to try to determine what the supply position will be.
§ Mr. HannahDo small retailers get as good consideration as the large retailers?