HC Deb 24 March 1943 vol 387 c1625
56. Mr. E. Walkden

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will take steps to obviate the waste of transport and man-power now resulting from the lack of control and over-lapping in collection and distribution of poultry and rabbits; and whether he will examine the evidence and general causes of complaints arising from unsatisfactory distribution?

Mr. Mabane

Steps have recently been taken by my Department, in conjunction with the Ministry of War Transport and the Ministry of Fuel and Power, to deal with overlapping of road transport engaged in collecting and distributing poultry and rabbits. This action should result also in the saving of man-power. As regards the last part of the Question, I am aware of the complaints referred to and certain measures for improving distribution are under examination.

Mr. Walkden

Will the hon. Gentleman explain one simple fact—why it is that one can regularly obtain chicken as part of a meal at the Grosvenor Hotel but that when sick persons, say in towns or villages in Yorkshire, require one, they have difficulty in even buying one in a shop? Can he explain a fact like that or deal with it?

Mr. Mabane

Not simply or shortly.