§ 15. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Food if he will give an undertaking that he will not reimpose milk rationing until after the school holidays.
§ Mr. StracheySuch a proposal, if adopted, would have meant serious mal-distribution and hardships in many homes. As the House knows, to avoid this the milk allocation scheme was reintroduced with effect from yesterday.
§ Sir W. SmithersIn view of the fact that milk is not supplied to schools in the holidays, is it not obvious that less milk will be consumed by children at home unless they can get that milk? Is the Minister aware that all this maldistribution is alleged by the Milk Marketing Board and the public to be the fault of State control by his Ministry? May I have an answer?
§ 21. Mr. Thomas Reidasked the Minister of Food when he hopes to be able to abolish milk rationing.
§ Mr. StracheyAs soon as we are sure that the demand for liquid milk can be met without endangering essential manufacturing uses, such as baby food.
§ Captain CrowderWill the Minister do something to help old people who are living alone? Three pints of milk a week is very little for them, and in many cases their health is being ruined. Could he do something for old people and for members of small households?
§ Mr. StracheyFortunately, the milk allocation is increasing year by year. It was only 2½ pints per week at this time last year, and it is now three pints. It depends on the weather, but we hope that we shall be able to maintain the allocation at the higher level.