§ 39. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement regarding complaints about the prices and distribution of food in Trinidad; and whether it is intended to introduce food rationing in the Colony?
§ Colonel StanleyYes, Sir, the Governor of Trinidad has kept me in touch with the difficulties as to price and distribution of food in that Colony. The Colonial Government is doing all that it can to deal with the problem, but the hon. Member will appreciate that the position is complicated by religious and racial practices affecting diet, as well as by the degree to which the economic life of the Colony has been disturbed by military developments within the Colony. I have received from the Governor of Trinidad representations submitted by certain trade unions in this matter and on the desirability of introducing a rationing system. The Governor has recommended that such a system be introduced, and at his request the possibility of obtaining an expert from this country to help in the establishment of rationing is now being explored.
§ Mr. MathersAs this matter is serious, will it be given the most urgent attention?
§ Colonel StanleyYes, Sir, I appreciate the urgency, and I am doing all I can.
§ Mr. SorensenWill not this go along with the attainment of a minimum nutritional standard?
§ Colonel StanleyAt the moment the urgent question is to see that the available food is fairly distributed.