HC Deb 30 June 1948 vol 452 c2212
56. Mr. C. S. Taylor

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that school children who are home on holiday from boarding school are unable to obtain an egg allocation; and whether he will now instruct retailers to supply eggs on emergency cards issued to these children.

Dr. Summerskill

I know that difficulties sometimes arise in supplying eggs against temporary ration documents. An allowance over and above the ordinary allocation is, however, given to retailers for new and temporary customers and this should normally be adequate to meet the requirements of the holders of emergency cards. In cases of difficulty the food office can usually help.

Mr. Taylor

Does not the hon. Lady realise that these children, who are badly in need of eggs, cannot get them during the holiday period, and cannot she give instructions to the retailers specially to look after these children?

Dr. Summerskill

Instructions are given and the food offices generally help. I must remind the hon. Gentleman that this is not a ration. We cannot guarantee it, because during the holidays the children of London may go to Margate, Southend, and all round the coast, including Eastbourne. We cannot guarantee that every child will get eggs in the same period.