HC Deb 30 June 1948 vol 452 cc2211-2
55. Colonel Wheatley

asked the Minister of Food why the issue of new ration books by post was not permitted before 3rd July; and what was the reason for not making this information public.

Dr. Summerskill

We do not prevent people from applying for a ration book by post, but it would be impossible to operate a return-of-post service at a time when food office staffs are manning the extra distribution centres which are set up to help personal applicants. We do not, therefore, encourage people to apply by post during the early part of the ration book distribution.