HC Deb 18 March 1941 vol 370 cc15-6
32. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the copy of a resolution passed at a quarterly meeting of the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society, representing 900,000 families, urging the more equitable distribution of foodstuffs by rationing of all essential foodstuffs at present non-rationed; and whether he has any statement to make?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Major Lloyd George)

My Noble Friend recognises the necessity of ensuring equitable distribution of important foodstuffs that are at present unrationed. A scheme for jam, marmalade, treacle and syrup was brought into operation on 17th March. Plans for controlling the distribution of other foodstuffs are being formulated, but it is not practicable to apply the same methods of control in all cases or to bring all the controls into operation at the same time.

Mr. Cocks

Will the Minister consider the rationing of goods such as cheese or sweetened milk, to avoid the necessity for people to stand in queues and also to enable poor people who cannot afford to buy in advance to get their share?

Major Lloyd George

I think that point was covered in my answer.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that multiple shops have a great advantage over Co-operative stores in respect of restricted goods and that Co-operative stores are demanding the rationing of these and other goods on the basis of actual registrations?