HC Deb 22 March 1944 vol 398 c859
60. Dr. Howitt

asked the Minister of Food whether he will arrange to provide extra rations of tea and sugar for aged people who are living alone.

Colonel Llewellin

To meet my hon. Friend's suggestion would entail departure from the general policy of fixing the domestic ration at the highest level for all and I am afraid that I should therefore not be justified in acceding to it.

Dr. Howitt

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware how unfairly many of these old people are treated as they are unfit to take advantage of British Restaurants or stand in fish queues? Will he not give the matter further consideration?

Colonel Llewellin

I certainly have a great deal of sympathy with these old people, but it is very difficult to know where to draw the line. It cannot be done on a definite age because some people are extremely active at the age of 70 or 80 and others are somewhat decrepit at about 60.

Sir Irving Albery

Could not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman draw the line at old age pensioners?