HC Deb 19 May 1947 vol 437 cc2000-1
76. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food what quantities of each of the following foods go to restaurants and conteens for the year ending June, 1947; flour, meat, carcase weight, bacon ham, milk as milk solids, fats, fat content, potatoes and sugar.

Mr. Strachey

Figures cannot, naturally be given for the year which will end in June, and I am afraid that they could not be prepared in the form asked for, even for a past year, without a disproportionate effort. It is estimated that for rationed food supplies as a whole, about 10 per cent. go to catering establishments, including canteens and hotels. For some indication of the quantities of particular foodstuffs, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) on 30th April.

Mr. Hurd

Surely, the Minister can give the House definite percentages in regard to each of these main foods, which is a very simple question?

Mr. Strachey

If the hon. Member will look at the answer I gave on 30th April, he will see that I gave actual tonnages. It is very easy to work out the percentages from that.

Sir Frank Sanderson

Could the Minister state whether the 10 per cent, he indicated includes supplies to canteens and factories?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir, that is the major part of it.