HC Deb 11 June 1941 vol 372 cc189-90
49 and 50. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) why two ration books are being issued at this time; the reason for the supplementary or spare book; and the estimated cost involved;

(2) Why no counterfoils appear in the new ration book R.B. 1 (4); if food committees were consulted before the change was made; and what counterfoils it is proposed to use to check the number of registered customers a retailer has on his register?

Major Lloyd George

The new ration book had to be designed at the end of last year. In order to be ready for a wider extension of rationing than was then contemplated, the preparation of a supplement to the ration book became necessary, and it is economical to issue the book and the supplement together although all the pages in the latter will not be required for immediate use. Counterfoils were omitted from the new book because it was felt at the time that compulsory re-registration could be dispensed with. Food control committees were not directly consulted in the matter, but the decision had the full support at the time of divisional food officers and food executive officers who were consulted and of retail trades associations. Large scale movements of population have, however, made a complete re-registration necessary, and counterfoils for this purpose have been provided in the supplement. The estimated cost of the supplement is £47,975.

Mr. McKinlay

Is it not a fact that the inaccurate R.G.23(a) voluntary registration in February is one of the major causes for the method adopted at the moment?

Major Lloyd George

No, Sir, I do not accept that for a moment. The position is as stated in my answer.

Mr. McKinlay

Is it not the fact that food executives throughout the country believe that this is just another example of official waste?