73. Mr. Robertsonasked the Minister of Food if he has examined the rashers of solid bacon fat sent to him which a Streatham resident was compelled to accept from the South Suburban Co-operative Society as part of his ration; and will he take steps to stop this practice.
§ Colonel LlewellinThe answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is "Yes, Sir." In recent weeks a portion of the bacon issued to meet ration requirements has been fat bacon of this kind, which is good wholesome food. The alternative would have been to reduce the bacon ration.
Mr. RobertsonWould it not be more correct to say that it is good wholesome fat? There is really no trace of bacon in it. Is the Minister aware that many people are refusing to accept this fat, with the result that the retailer has to give more fat to those people who are accepting it? Will he please examine the situation to see whether he can retain these fat bellies in cold storage as a reserve?
§ Colonel LlewellinUnfortunately, we were faced with the position either of reducing the bacon ration or making some of it up with this fat bacon. I take the view that it would be a bad thing, at any 1234 rate in the winter months, to reduce the bacon ration if it can be kept going as it is.
Mr. RobertsonHas the Minister not missed the point, that there is a lot of fat going out masquerading as bacon?
§ Colonel LlewellinIf I had not sent out that fat—and in fact a piece the hon. Member sent me had one streak of lean in it—I would not have had enough bacon to have kept the bacon ration going.