HC Deb 24 March 1948 vol 448 cc3008-9
47. Mr. Bowden

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the anomalies in the present method of issuing the extra cheese ration; that men engaged on the same horticultural and agricultural work find that some receive the extra ration whilst others do not; that gravediggers are not included whilst men tending flower beds in the same cemetery often do receive the extra ration; and if he will reorganise the scheme to give a more equitable distribution.

Dr. Summerskill

I am afraid that what appear to be hard cases are bound to arise when a concession is limited to workers in well-defined categories. Workers insured under the agricultural scheme qualify for extra cheese, and I regret that we are unable to extend the special cheese ration to the other workers referred to.

Mr. Bowden

Will my hon. Friend consider this matter again with a view to introducing qualification according to the type of work actually done?

Dr. Summerskill

My hon. Friend has referred to gravediggers. I think he will agree that cemeteries, for obvious reasons, are near built-up areas, and for that reason it is possible for gravediggers to avail themselves of existing catering facilities.