§ 51. Mr. Hobsonasked the Minister of Food if he will now give an assurance that there will be no further cut in the rations of the British people, and that no other foodstuffs will be rationed.
§ The M inister of Food (Mr. Strachey)A Minister of Food could ask for nothing better than to be able to give this assurance. But as the whole House knows the world food situation is far too grave for this to be possible. If the House will permit me to say so, nothing could be more irresponsible than for a new Minister to begin his period of office by making sweeping promises of this kind.
§ 52.Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Food if he is now able to announce the end of tea rationing.
§ Mr. StracheyI have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Thornbury (Mr. Alpass) on 17th April. I can assure the hon. Member that I shall not maintain tea rationing a day longer than is necessary.
§ Mr. ErrollIn view of the newness of the Minister's appointment, could he make this one of the first things he looks into?
§ Mr. StracheyYes, Sir.