HC Deb 25 February 1948 vol 447 c1952
51. Mrs. Castle

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that milk is a most digestible form of food for elderly people, he will consider allowing them, where they so desire, to surrender their cheese ration in exchange for a higher allocation of milk.

Dr. Summerskill

I am afraid this is not at the moment a practicable suggestion. We have not enough milk.

Mrs. Castle

Is the hon. Lady aware that many old people cannot digest part of their ration, particularly the cheese ration, and surely, as milk goes into the making of cheese, my suggestion would save milk?

Dr. Summerskill

I am afraid that my hon. Friend has forgotten one important factor, which is that milk is home produced, and cheese is imported, and that there would be an uncompensated drain.

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