§ 56. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food if he has considered the details which have been sent to him complaining of mal-distribution of certain foodstuffs; and if he has any statement to make.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)I have considered the correspondence sent to me by the hon. Member about food supplies in Jersey. Rations in the Channel Islands are the same as in the United Kingdom. I find that in the case of one of the unrationed foods mentioned in the correspondence—Nescafe—the Islands have been receiving more than their fair share, and steps are now being taken by the manufacturers to reduce deliveries. I have no reason to think however, that overall the consumers in the Channel Islands are more favourably treated than elsewhere.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs the Minister aware that control from Whitehall of distribution makes the distribution uneven, that the distribution of food is breaking down all over the country, and that the failure of the Government is inciting and compelling citizens to be dishonest?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir, I am aware of none of those suggestions.
§ Sir W. SmithersThey are quite true.