§ 20. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how soon he expects the ration scale laid down in the Anglo-U.S. bi-zonal food programme to be fully implemented; and why expectations about the announced distribution have not been realised in the British zone.
§ Mr. J. HyndFull implementation of the present agreed ration scale for the joint zones of 1,550 calories to normal consumers is at present only prevented by transport difficulties, which should be reduced when weather conditions improve.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeWhile I did not entirely hear what my hon. Friend said, does not he think it wiser to publicise a scale of ration which can be honoured fully in Germany than a scale which only raises false hopes in the breasts of the Germans because it cannot be honoured?
§ Mr. HyndNo, Sir, because in fact, apart from one or two isolated instances, the full scale of rations is being honoury In so far as it has not been honourer a particular time or place it has been due to local temporary breakdowns. We prefer to hold ourselves obliged to supply that ration so far as is physically possible, and to make up arrears as soon as possible.
§ Mr. StokesIs not my hon. Friend aware that in the area round Hamburg in the last four months, except for about two or three weeks, there has not been more than about two-thirds of the ration? Everybody in Germany knows that; it is only Norfolk House that does not.