§ 50. Sir William Davisonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Ministry have recently issued an order directing that ration books must be deposited with the management of catering establishments whereas the Board of Trade have issued an order stating that ration books must Be handed over to guests wishing to make purchases of clothing; and whether he will inform the House how the management of such establishments can mark off food coupons if the owner complies with the direction of the Board of Trade?
Major Lloyd GeorgeThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. The Rationing Order dated 27th December, 1939, provides that it is the duty of the resident in a catering establishment to produce his ration book to the management in order that the appropriate coupons may be cancelled. In practice, as a matter of convenience, the books are often handed over to the management and collected by the resident when he leaves. As, however, the management only requires to deal with the appropriate coupons once a week I do not appreciate the difficulty which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs the Minister aware that there is great difficulty for people who have a number of guests in their houses in keeping to his directions to keep the ration books so as to obtain the rations?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI have come across these difficulties in the last few days and I will inquire into the matter further.