§ 5. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of Food what is the number of duplicate ration books issued to replace lost books during the ration year 1946–47.
§ Mr. StracheyDuring the rationing year 1946 to 1947 some 932,000 food ration books were issued to replace books reported lost, stolen or destroyed.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleySince in the previous year the figure was about 673,000, is it not a pretty clear indication that there is a serious leakage, presumably into the black market?
§ Mr. StracheyMy hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary held a careful inquiry into this in the Autumn, and she was satisfied that there was no evidence that it represented a black market leakage.
§ Mr. J. S. C. ReidHow many of these 900,000 lost books were found and were returned to the Department?
§ Mr. StracheyI should have to have notice of that question.