HC Deb 12 November 1947 vol 444 cc387-8
6 Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

asked the Minister of Food what is the calorific value of the rations available to the following categories of workers taking account of basic rations, extra rations, and canteen rations: miners, workers in factories having canteens, farm workers, and other working men.

Dr. Summerskill

Assuming that a worker takes five main meals and five hot beverages a week at his canteen, the average calorie value of his basic rations, including points and sweets and the rations provided through the canteen, would be 3,370 calories a head daily for a miner, and 2,530 to 2,630 for an industrial worker, depending on the type of canteen available. Agricultural workers rations provide 2,600 calories a head daily. Other workers get amounts which depend on the nature of their work and the provision of canteens.

Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that those who get the least food value are the men who work on the land, and particularly builders, labourers, lorry-drivers and mechanics, who do not get extra farm workers' rations and have no opportunity to go to canteens?

Dr. Summerskill

No, Sir. I think the hon. and gallant Member is under a misapprehension. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] Certainly. During certain seasonal activities, the agricultural worker gets an extra 1,170 calories a day, which makes 3,770 calories a day. On top of that, he gets unrationed foods. I would point out that the hon. and gallant Member has asked me only for the calorie value of rationed foods, and not for unrationed foods, which include such things as fish, all vegetables, pies and so on.

Lieut.-Colonel Corbett

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment.

62. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food how much of the pre-war daily intake of 3,000 calories was provided by British agriculture; and to what extent he is looking to home sources to supply the reduced standard of 2,700 calories.

Dr. Summerskill

Before the war, British agriculture supplied 30 per cent. of the daily calorie intake. Assuming the target acreages for 1948 are achieved, and with average yields, it is estimated that the proportion of the diet, in terms of calories, from home production over the whole year will be about 42 per cent.

Mr. E. P. Smith

Is the hon. Lady aware that there are a great many "ifs" and "buts" about the Food Minister's estimates of food calories?