HC Deb 21 March 1945 vol 409 cc805-6
50. Captain Gammons

asked the Minister of Food if he anticipates it will be necessary to reduce the meat ration during the next six months.

Colonel Llewellin

I regret that I am unable to foresee the supply position sufficiently clearly to enable me to reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's inquiry, but I am doing my utmost to avoid any cut in the ration.

Captain Gammons

Do we understand from the reply that the reports in the British and American Press to the effect that the meat ration is likely to be reduced are not true?

Colonel Llewellin

I said that I could not anticipate the position, but certainly we shall do our best to see that the standard of living of the people of this country is preserved.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Does the Minister wish the House to understand that the statements which have appeared in the Press over the last 10 days are merely guess work? Does he repudiate the idea that they have been inspired by some of the officers in his Department?

Colonel Llewellin

I certainly do not repudiate any of the statements made in the Press, but when a Minister is asked to make a definite statement, he had better not make it until he knows the facts on which he is going to make that statement.