HC Deb 03 July 1950 vol 477 cc24-5
44. Commander Noble

asked the Minister of Food what is the position with regard to London's meat ration this week.

Mr. F. Willey

I regret that the strike of transport workers has now extended to the manual staff at the cold stores and at Smithfield. It is hoped that with the aid of Service personnel we shall be able to distribute the full carcase meat ration of 1s. 4d. this week, but we cannot be certain about this and retail butchers should not, therefore, serve their customers with more than 1s. worth of meat for each ration book in the early part of the week. It is not proposed to distribute any canned corned beef in London this week. The House will be kept informed of any further developments.

Commander Noble

Will the Minister do everything possible to make carcase meat available this week, as I am sure he will understand that the people of London do not want another week of corned beef? Will he, at the same time, consider, when carcase meat is available, making up the ration which was missed last?

Mr. Willey

Yes, Sir, on both points. Every step is being taken to ensure that housewives receive their rations. Every step will be taken later to see that the ration is distributed evenly over a period.

Mr. McCorquodale

Seeing that this unofficial strike is obviously designed to cause the greatest possible degree of hardship to the general public and to housewives in particular at this time, is the hon. Gentleman aware of any close connection between those behind this strike and those who were behind the recent troubles in the London docks?

Mr. Willey

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question to the Minister of Labour.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say who are the employers of the transport workers involved in the stoppage?

Mr. Willey

Yes, the Meat Transport Organisation.

Sir H. Williams

That is the Government.

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