§ 64. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the hardship caused to church and other charitable organisations by the refusal of his Department to permit the issue of food for the purpose of functions organised by these bodies; and whether he is prepared to take action to permit such issue in appropriate cases.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend would very much like to be helpful in this matter, but he regrets that he is not yet able to relax the restrictions on special issues of rationed foods for functions organised by churches and charitable organisations.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view of the hardship caused, particularly to certain Nonconformist churches, by this ban, will the hon. Lady give the earliest possible priority to this matter?
§ Dr. SummerskillI should have thought that the churches, and charitable organisations, would be the first to recognise that available food should not be used for social functions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIs the hon. lady aware, in me case to which I drew attention, that the objection to the issue of food was not that it was to be used by the churches, but that the Department said that they should employ professional caterers? In the circumstances, will she abate her enthusiasm for private profit?
§ Dr. SummerskillI should like the House to be clear on this question, in case it might be thought that my Department is being a little cruel and unjust. The only social gatherings for which we authorise special supplies of controlled food, are weddings and funerals, and entertainments organised by reputable bodies for the sick, wounded, disabled, aged, the poor, the blind, children and young people under 19 years of age.