§ 35. Mr. John Morrisonasked the Minister of Food what has been the annual 28 and the monthly average reported loss of ration books in each of the years 1944 to 1947; and what has been the monthly reported loss since the beginning of this year.
§ Dr. SummerskillWith permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the numbers of ration books issued in replacement of those reported lost, stolen or destroyed in the periods mentioned.
§ Mr. J. S. C. ReidHas the hon. Lady any figures to show how many lost books were recovered?
§ Dr. SummerskillAbout 20 per cent., I think.
§ Following is the information:
| NUMBER OF RATION BOOKS ISSUED IN REPLACEMENT OF THOSE LOST. | ||
| Calendar Year. | Numbers issued. | Average monthly replacement. |
| 1944 | 522,000 | 43,500 |
| 1945 | 619,800 | 51,650 |
| 1946 | 754,900 | 62,910 |
| 1947 | 1,054,300 | 87,860 |
| 1948— | ||
| January | 100,490 | — |
| February | 92,700 | — |
| March | 100,590 | — |
§ It is estimated that some 20 per cent. of the books which were replaced were subsequently recovered.