HC Deb 01 December 1943 vol 395 cc362-3
58. Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Food what steps he proposes to take to give rural populations access to a fair share of additional rations which urban residents can consume at various public and private catering establishments?

Mr. Mabane

As it is not practicable to provide British Restaurants in rural areas to the same extent as in urban areas, my Department has instituted the rural pie scheme and provided the special cheese ration for agricultural and other workers for whom canteens cannot be provided. In addition, farmers may obtain supplies of rationed foods for the provision of meals to their workers during harvest time and certain other periods of special seasonal activity.

Sir J. Mellor

While allowing those slight concessions to a limited number of people, will my hon. Friend agree that the rural population get a smaller share of rationed foodstuffs than the urban population?

Rear-Admiral Beamish

Is it not true that the rural population get much less variety than the urban population?

Mr. Mabane

I do not think that that is the general experience.