§ 52. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Foxasked the Minister of Food if he will state the present calory value of the meat ration for civilians, the British armed forces, Italian prisoners and German prisoners, respectively, per week; and how this compares with the figures for six months ago.
§ The Minister of Food (Sir Benjamin Smith)As the reply to this Question involves a statistical statement, I will, with the hon. Member's permission circulate it in the Official Report.
§ Sir G. FoxCan the Minister give an assurance that the German prisoners of war are getting no more calories in meat than British prisoners?
§ Sir B. SmithAt the moment, Italian and German prisoners are receiving 14 ounces, as against the civilian 16½ ounces.
§ Following is the statement:
§ It is difficult to give a precise comparison of meat rations as the civilian meat ration is on a value basis (Is. 2d. per week in both May and November) and the weight received by the individual, therefore, varies according to the type and cut of meat. The following are average figures and in all cases include bone:
| — | Civilian Ration. | British Services. | Italian and German Prisoner. |
| May | 16½ ozs. (1,350calories) | 42 ozs. (3,350calories) | 18 ozs. (1,450calories) |
| November | 16½ ozs. (1,300calories) | 35 ozs. (2,800calories) | 14 ozs. (1,100calories) |
§ The calory values are approximate only, as different types of meat vary widely in calory value. Thus, the fall in the calory value of the civilian ration from May to November is mainly due to the smaller proportion of pork, a high calory meat, which is now available for issue.