§ 26. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food why there are better supplies of food in the North, especially of butter, bacon, eggs and cheese, in accordance with the particulars which have been sent to him; and what steps is he taking to ensure a better distribution of the food available.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summer-skill)No preference is shown to any particular area in the distribution of rationed foods. Butter, bacon, eggs and cheese are distributed to retailers throughout the country on a basis of the number of customers registered with them. Inquiries which have been made in the area about which the hon. Member has sent me particulars, have revealed no evidence of preferential distribution.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the right hon. Lady ask her right hon. Friend when he will realise that there is no food shortage, and that the shortages and queues are due to bulk purchasing and maldistribution owing to State control? The right hon. Lady cannot answer that one.