HC Deb 26 January 1948 vol 446 cc645-6
17. Mr. David Renton

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the shortage of potatoes, he will increase the basic bread ration.

Mr. Strachey

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 21st January, to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson).

Mr. Renton

Will the Minister be prepared to take a reasonable risk with flour stocks if potato stocks should fail unduly?

Mr. Strachey

No, I could not give an undertaking to take a risk with flour stocks; that is the last thing we would do. But, as my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary replied on a former occasion, we have increased the bread ration in one category, and if the potato situation became worse, we would certainly consider if we could not do it in another category.

Mr. J. S. C. Reid

If the right hon. Gentleman is going to give extra bread to any classes, will he remember that it is particularly important that adolescents of all kinds should get it?

Mr. Strachey

Certainly, Sir.

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