§ 59. Mr. Blackburnasked the Minister of Food what considerations enter into his decision whether to continue or discontinue the derationing of a commodity.
§ Mr. WebbThere are so many considerations, varying with each commodity, that it would be difficult to list them all in this reply. I would like to assure my hon. Friend that my first concern must always be to ensure fair shares of essential foods until there is enough to meet demand at reasonable prices, although I am, of course, anxious to remove irksome restrictions and formalities wherever possible.
§ Mr. Blackburnis my right hon. Friend aware of the widespread allegations in certain sections of the Press that there are great surpluses of commodities and that he is continuing rationing for purely political reasons? Will he deal with these allegations?
Mr. MacdonaldWill the right hon. Gentleman send out to retail traders, through their trade associations, notices of any alterations in points rationing and other matters, rather than announce them 141 on the wireless on Sunday mornings? That leads to a great deal of confusion, because they cannot get ready in time for service on Mondays?
§ Mr. WebbI have a good deal of sympathy with that complaint. In the case of the points rationing changes that has been done.
§ 60. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Food what are his proposals for the future of the points rationing system.
§ Mr. WebbAfter a close examination it has been decided that the points rationing system should be maintained for the present, but in a restricted form. Details of the changes will be announced in the normal way on Sunday next.