HC Deb 23 February 1948 vol 447 cc1598-600
43. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Food how soon he expects that his review of the question of seasonal allowances of extra food for agricultural workers will be complete.

Mr. Strachey

I am discussing this matter with the Advisory Committee on Rationing of the Trades Union Congress.

Mr. Driberg

Will my right hon. Friend be good enough to answer the Question—how soon will this review be completed?

Mr. Strachey

I intended to convey that the matter of time was not wholly under my control.

Mr. Driberg

Could my right hon. Friend say whether this review includes the position of the self-employed worker, for instance, a smallholder, who happens to live some distance from his work and under existing regulations is debarred from getting the extra food which employees can get?

Mr. Strachey

We would not exclude that category of worker.

Mr. Collins

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the point that the farm worker should himself be able to get these additional rations instead of merely getting them through the farmer?

Mr. Strachey

That is one of the main points for consideration.

44. Mr. Driberg

asked the Minister of Food approximately what percentage of agricultural workers in Great Britain generally, and in the County of Essex, are able regularly to obtain pies under the rural pie scheme.

Mr. Strachey

I am afraid we do not know the percentages. However, during September and October, 1947, 1,749,500 meals were on average served each week by 4,082 pie centres throughout Great Britain, and of these meals 93,700 were distributed by 263 centres in Essex.

Mr. Driberg

I am afraid I am not good enough at figures, so could my right hon. Friend say whether that answer indicates that the percentage is rather small, and, if so, is he taking steps to increase it?

Mr. Strachey

I could not answer that question readily either, but we are doing everything we can to increase the number of pies distributed and improve the general service of packed meals, as we consider them most important and valuable.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Could the right hon. Gentleman state the difference between a rural pie and a city pie?

Mr. R. A. Butler

Could the right hon. Gentleman break down the figures for the County of Essex if I sent him a letter?

Mr. Strachey

I will certainly try to do so.