§ 46. Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that the following daily rations which are issued to temporary workers on farms for such operation as threshing, four-fifths oz. of sugar, quarter oz. tea, three quarters oz. margarine, two-fifths oz. cheese, three-quarters oz. preserves, half a point and two bread units, are sufficient; and whether he is aware that no additional meat ration is given.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)Yes, Sir. These allowances are granted in addition to the normal domestic rations at times of seasonal activity and are sufficient for the purpose.
§ Mr. SpenceIs the hon. Lady aware that these workers get the ordinary civilian ration; has she looked at two-fifths of an oz. of cheese; and does she think it is sufficient food on which to do a day's threshing?
§ Dr. SummerskillNot only have I looked at it, but we have consulted the N.F.U. and the T.U.C.
§ Mr. BeechmanWill the hon. Lady make sure that there is sufficient meat for Cornish pasties, which mean so much to those engaged on threshing and similar work in the Far West?
§ Mr. NicholsonWhen the hon. Lady said that those organisations approved of these allowances, does that mean that they did not want more?
§ Dr. SummerskillThey were consulted on these matters.
§ 47. Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that the additional farm workers' ration in respect of operations, such as ploughing, which consists of four-fifths oz. tea per man per week and one oz. sugar per man per week, is sufficient.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe extra allowance of tea and sugar is given to provide hot drinks at work and is sufficient for that purpose. Farm workers may also, of course, get the special cheese allowance and the bread that goes with it.
§ Mr. SpenceWill these allowances be increased at the earliest opportunity, in view of the arduous work, especially during the winter months?
§ Dr. SummerskillI am certainly prepared to consult the organisation I have mentioned.