51. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether in view of the cut of 2d. in the meat ration, resulting from the Argentine meat deliveries falling behind, he will consider introducing a 14 day ration plan to overcome the difficulties of butchers in cutting an 8d. ration of fresh meat fairly.
§ Mr. StracheyPeople may already arrange with their butcher to buy their ration fortnightly.
Mr. De la BèreDoes the Minister realise that it is almost impossible to cut 8d. worth of meat and does he therefore realise the great hardship to the consumer, the butcher and all concerned?
§ Mr. StracheyThere is no objection to people drawing their rations fortnightly.
Mrs. ManningDoes not my right hon. Friend agree that the majority of books are family books and that these families do not draw an 8d. ration; and may I ask him not to encourage butchers to do this as it caused much difficulty when it was done in the case of the bacon ration?
§ Mr. DraysonCan the right hon. Gentleman arrange for eight weeks' ration to be drawn at one time?
§ Major BeamishCan the right hon. Gentleman confirm that he is shortly to join his predecessor on the Coal Board?