§ 71. Mr. John E. Haireasked the Minister of Food, in view of the fact that many bakers are not collecting bread units from their customers, what guarantee he has that bread is not being wasted; and if he will take steps either to enforce his regulations or do away with bread rationing.
§ Dr. SummerskillAvoidance of waste is a matter for each individual consumer, and neither rationing nor any other regulation can provide an assurance against it. My right hon. Friend cannot yet abandon bread rationing, but the present regulations are, however, enforced within limits of the staff available.
§ Mr. Haireis it not a fact that bread rationing was largely introduced in order to prevent bread being wasted and fed to poultry and livestock? Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this practice is again growing because B.U.s are not being collected?
§ Mr. Gallacheris it not the case that with regard to regulations which assist rationing and the Government, the utmost loyalty comes from the Co-operative movement, and that the trouble is with the multiple concerns?
§ Mr. TurtonIs it not a fact that since bread rationing was introduced the amount of flour used has gone up?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir.
§ Mr. RentonCan the Parliamentary Secretary say what proportion of the 20,000 odd convictions referred to in Question No. 64 relate to bread rationing?
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy hon. Friend should know that B.U.s are being collected over a very wide area. On many occasions I have informed the House when I have been asked about this matter that if hon. Members will be prepared to be sufficiently public spirited to bring forward any cases they have in mind, we shall be only too willing to make inquiries.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingThe hon. Lady has told the House that these B.U.s are being collected; can she tell the House whether anyone in her Department ever collects and counts them?