§ 48. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Food if he has now reached a decision on the arrangements for issuing special allowances of rationed foods to farm workers this summer.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)Yes, Sir; the special seasonal allowances for farm workers will now be calculated on a weekly basis, which should make it easier for farmers and workers' representatives to share them out.
§ Mr. HurdWill the Minister now treat the farm workers in the same way as he treats the coalminers and allow these extra allowances to be drawn direct, either by the farm worker or his wife?
§ Mr. StracheyI have been in touch with representatives of the farm workers on that subject and there were differences of opinion on the best way in which these allowances could be drawn. At any rate, in going some way to meet their wishes, we have now computed them on a weekly basis and simplified the amounts.
§ Mr. BeechmanWill the Minister see that smallholders and families running small mixed farms receive similar consideration?
§ Mr. StracheyThat is another question.
§ Captain CrookshankWill the Minister say that he has not completely closed his mind to the possibility of making these extra rations individual rations?
§ Mr. StracheyCertainly, Sir.
§ Mr. McGovernWill the Minister resist the pressure by sections of this House to give special allowances to certain sections of the community, and remember that 1031 large numbers of people are expecting a step-up in the allotment of food as soon as possible?
§ Mr. BeechmanI beg to give notice that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.