§ 62. Mr. Walter Fletcherasked the Minister of Food whether he has now reconsidered the possibility of giving queue priority to newly-confined mothers, in view of the fact that the administrative 1243 difficulties are no longer considered insuperable; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StracheyThis has been very carefully reconsidered. I have decided with regret that we cannot ask shopkeepers to give formal priority to anyone but expectant mothers. Naturally I hope that they will, as I am sure they do, show their usual good will towards all those who have special difficulties.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the Minister aware that having shifted his ground from the entirely untenable one that it was administratively difficult, he is now relying on an infinitely worse ground—a medical ground where his reasons are all wrong; and that the effects on the women will be physical and not psychological?
§ Mr. StracheyI am aware that we have considered all aspects of the problem.
§ Mr. FletcherOn a point of Order. In view of the absolutely unsatisfactory answer given by the Minister, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment.