36. Mr. E. P. Smithasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that builders' workmen in certain areas of Ashford, Kent, have been refused an extra cheese ration on the ground that meat-pies are available to them; and whether, in view of the fact that the quality of these meat-pies has now so deteriorated as to render them well-nigh uneatable, he will allow the additional cheese ration to stand in their lieu.
§ Mr. StracheyThese workers have been refused the special cheese ration on the grounds that it is practicable for their employers to provide canteen or other catering facilities, such as a packed meals service. In the circumstance I regret that I am not prepared to reverse this decision.
Mr. SmithIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases the alternative catering facilities consist of these meat pies? Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake to let me see him eat one of these pies, if I bring it to the House?
§ Mr. StracheyI would want notice of that question—but I would be delighted to sample the pie.