§ 56. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can make a statement on the prospect of improved rations; and has he recently given consideration to the need for a supplementary rationing scheme or to any other scheme that will enable the people resident in industrial centres to obtain more food?
Major Lloyd GeorgeRecent increases in food rations have been made in the case of meat and cheese, additional sugar is being released during the present month and an increase in the preserves ration has been announced to come into operation at the end of the present month. The general supply position is kept under constant review with the object of providing additions to or variations in the national dietary. As regards the last part of my hon. Friend's Question, a considerable extension in the provision of works canteens and British Restaurants has already been made and this development will be continued so far as circumstances permit.
§ Mr. SmithIn cases where municipalities are not carying out their obligations with regard to Ministry of Food policy, what steps are being taken to see that they do?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI am glad to say that that is not a very usual occurrence, but we have taken further steps to impress the local authorities with the advantages of the system of communal feeding. If that has no effect, other steps may have to be considered.
§ Mr. WilmotIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the great disparity between the amount of food obtained by those who have access to canteens and restaurants and those who have not, and will he take some steps to remedy a very alarming situation?
Major Lloyd GeorgeWe have already taken steps in the British Restaurant system, which is intended to meet this difficulty. It is entirely in the hands of the public whether they will have it or not.