HC Deb 18 May 1949 vol 465 cc427-8
49. Mr. Fitzroy Maclean

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now make a further statement regarding the action being taken by his Department in respect of the simultaneous issue in the last week of February of eight weeks' bacon ration to the Manor House Hostel, Shanklin, Isle of Wight.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)

On 12th April the local bench of magistrates imposed small fines for what the Chairman described as a "strictly technical" offence. My Department will not be taking any further action in the matter.

Mr. Maclean

If the right hon. Lady is thinking of going on any more jaunts to the seaside with her right hon. Friend, will she endeavour to ensure that on future occasions no offences against the rules of her Department are committed?

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will the right hon. Lady point out to right hon. and hon. Gentlemen opposite that, if they continue to chew the fat unduly about this subject, they will develop permanent indigestion?

Mr. J. Langford-Holt

Does not the right hon. Lady think it astonishing that both the Minister of Food and his Parliamentary Secretary failed to recognise eight weeks' ration when they saw it?