HC Deb 10 July 1946 vol 425 c394
66. Mr. Frank Byers

asked the Minister of Food the quantity of cheese issued to restaurants, hotels and catering establishments, other than canteens, in an average month.

Mr. Strachey

The average allocation of cheese to hotels, restaurants, cafes and milk bars is running at some 500 tons a month. This is about 4 per cent, of total civilian consumption.

Mr. Byers

Would it not be possible to allocate this cheese to the building operatives and other people in rural areas who require packed meals, and for whom canteen facilities are not available? Will the Minister look into that?

Mr. Strachey

It would be possible, but only by depriving hotels, restaurants and catering establishments, many of which are catering for very deserving sections of the population.