§ 64. Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Food what is the estimated number of persons entitled to the higher scale of meat ration; what quantity of meat is thus supplied weekly; and whether, in view of the reduced meat ration in force today, he will consider the need to permit agricultural workers to be in the higher 2051 scale, or to remove all restrictions on pig-keeping by agricultural workers so that they can obtain increased quantities of food.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe number of consumers who receive individual allowances of meat in excess of the general ration is 1,180,000 involving the issue of 470 tons of meat weekly. In view of the very serious meat supply position, my right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to allow an increased ration for agricultural workers. An agricultural worker is under less stringent conditions than other pig keepers and is allowed to kill two pigs a year. The restrictions on self-supplier pig-keeping must be maintained for the present in order to prevent abuse.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksWill the right hon. Lady consider some method of increasing the meat ration for agricultural workers who are unable to keep pigs?
§ Dr. SummerskillIn the light of the Debate yesterday the hon. Gentleman will agree that things are difficult.
§ Mr. OdeyDoes the right hon. Lady realise that agricultural workers are in a position of special disadvantage as they have no access to works canteens?
§ Dr. SummerskillYes.
§ 66. Colonel Ponsonbyasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the decrease in the meat ration, an increased allowance will be made for diabetics whose special ration was fixed when the meat ration was 1s. 4d. per week.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy medical advisers, the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council, are now considering the whole question of the present level of meat supplies in relation to all classes of invalids, including diabetics.