HC Deb 13 March 1946 vol 420 cc1099-100
59. Wing-Commander Robinson

the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the demands which will be made on the supplies of foodstuffs in holiday resorts in the coming season by visitors; and what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate supplies of both rationed and unrationed food will be available for bona fide residents in holiday resorts during the coming holiday season.

Dr. Summerskill

As the reply is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the Official Report.

Following is the reply:

My right hon. Friend proposes to take this year action similar to that which proved successful lastyear, when the only complaints from permanent residents arose not from a shortage of supplies but from the shopping difficulties caused by inadequate staff in the shops. These staff shortages are gradually being remedied as further manpower becomes available. The procedure adopted for the adjustment of supplies last year and which will be followed again this year is for local Food Officers to consult with local interests in the formulation of estimates of the probable influx of visitors into the principal holiday resorts during the various holiday periods. These estimates are communicated to the wholesalers in order that they may adjust the supply of unrationed foods to the changes in population. The supply of rationed foods is adjusted by the issue of supplementary permits which local Food Officers are authorised to issue at very short notice, and by a procedure which permits retailers to buy supplies in advance of estimated requirements. The supply of points food is also increased by the allocation of additional points credit to food retailers which enable them to purchase the additional points rationed food necessary to meet the anticipated demand. Persons paying day trips to holiday resorts, particularly at Easter, Whitsun and August Bank Holiday will, nevertheless, be well advised to take sandwiches or a picnic meal with them unless they have made arrangements in advance to take their meals with friends or at a catering establishment.