§ 39. Mr. Oliverasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, due to maldistribution, there is a serious shortage of cheese in the mining areas, and although this commodity is available in restaurants elsewhere, it cannot be acquired in many shops in these districts; and whether steps will be taken to remedy this complaint?
§ 43. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he is taking to remedy the serious shortages of essential food in Middlesbrough, where the majority of workers are engaged in heavy steel industry?
§ 37. Mr. Gallacherasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered a resolution sent to the Ministry from a conference in Kirkcaldy, called by the Fife and Kinross Co-operative Conference Association, in which the present food policy of the Government is condemned, while a demand is made for a new policy that will give adequate supplies to Co-operative societies on the basis of their registrations; and what steps does he propose to take?
Major Lloyd GeorgeInquiries I have made do not substantiate the suggestion that any particular area or distributive organisation is less favourably placed than others. Shortages of some unrationed foodstuffs are general, and manufacturers and distributors have been informed of the movements of population in order that they may adjust their distribution of such supplies as are available. Rationed foods are distributed in exact relation to the number of registered customers. With the object of securing more satisfactory distribution to the consumer in all parts of the country, my Noble Friend has recently announced the introduction of a scheme for distributing jam, marmalade, syrup and treacle on the basis of registrations and has indicated that this scheme may be extended to other unrationed foodstuffs if it proves successful. My Noble Friend has also announced the forthcoming rationing of cheese, with special allowances for specific classes of workers who have not the advantage of industrial canteens.
Miss RathboneHas my hon. and gallant Friend considered the hardship which 156 the rationing of jam is likely to impose on households composed largely of women and children, who have not the means or the time to attend any kind of public eating place?