HC Deb 11 December 1946 vol 431 cc1159-60
60. Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Food whether he will give an assurance that there will be no cut in the cheese ration this winter.

Mr. Strachey

If there were to be any change in the cheese ration I should immediately inform the House.

Mr. Spence

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what exactly are our stocks at the moment, and for how long our cheese ration is ensured?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir, I would not disclose the stocks of cheese for reasons which I have often given to the House, nor do I think that we should be drawn into speculations on the possibilities of a change in the ration.

Mr. Jennings

But does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that he has been making speculations almost every day? A short time ago he said that there would be a cut in the bread ration if we were not careful.

Mr. Strachey

I said nothing of the sort. I made a statement warning the House of certain difficulties in the United States putting certain of our rations into jeopardy, but I did not include cheese in that list.

Mr. Jennings

Why not?

Mr. Strachey

Because it was not in jeopardy.