HC Deb 02 November 1949 vol 469 cc398-9
52. Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Food if he is prepared to reconsider the present arrangement under which hotels and boarding houses providing bed and breakfast only are entitled to take the complete food ration card of their residents even although they are under no obligation to provide them with the quantities of food which the ration card allows.

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. Catering establishments obtain their allowances of rationed foods on the basis of the number of meals served and not by means of the ration books surrendered by residents.

Mr. Gammans

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the hardship which that causes, especially to students living in hostels, who take some of their meals over the weekend either with their relations or with their friends?

Mr. Strachey

If they live in catering establishments, the catering establishment has its full allowance of food per meal served, and they are provided for in that way.

Mr. Gammans

But do they not take the ration books?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, otherwise the residents in the catering establishments would get double rations.

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