HC Deb 22 March 1950 vol 472 cc1960-2
51. Mr. John E. Haire

asked the Minister of Food if he will list the items of food removed from rationing during the past year and those still rationed, stating the amount per head in each case.

Mr. Webb

With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the changes in the rations, and in the foods on the points ration. But I might just say this now: the most important change since last year, apart from the fact that a number of rations have been increased, is the lifting of the restrictions on the sale of liquid milk. In addition, retailers may sell freely any eggs which they may have over and above their customers' entitlement and I hope that this, concession will last for a longer period than in 1949. A considerable number of foods have been released from points. rationing since March, 1949, but the list of foods subject to individual weekly rations remains the same as it was a year ago, although the amount of the ration has changed in certain cases. The butter, cheese, meat, bacon and tea rations have been increased. The sugar ration has been reduced. Other changes are under review.

Mr. Haire

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there is any hope of any further derationing in the immediate future?

Following is the statement:

Foods removed from the points rationing scheme since 26th March, 1949:

All unsweetened biscuits;

rusks;

blue and soft cheeses;

canned sweet puddings;

dried peas, green split peas, yellow split peas, lentils and dried beans;

canned peaches in water, imported canned plums, prunes, damsons and greengages;

dried figs, prunes and all stoned dates;

imported honey and imitation honey;

barracouta, snoek and canned mackerel;

canned pork brawn, canned pork, canned boneless chicken or turkey, canned sausage meat, canned sausages in brine, canned Vienna sausages, canned meat puddings, canned meat hash, canned Irish stew, canned rabbit, spaghetti and sausages in tomato sauce, vegetable and macaroni casserole, ready or prepared meals and quick frozen pre-cooked meat meals;

canned tomatoes.

Foods still included in the points rationing scheme:

Canned tongues, briskets, pressed beet, luncheon meat, all kinds of meat loaf or galatine, pressed or jellied veal or pork, stewed steak, Mexican meat and gravy, canned bacon, canned sausages;

canned salmon, crab, crawfish, sardines, pilchards, brisling, sil, tunny;

canned grapefruit, peaches, apricots, pears, fruit cocktail, two-fruits, fruit salad, pineapple and mandarin oranges;

canned beans;

canned milk;

currants, sultanas, raisins, dried apples, apricots and peaches;

syrup and treacle;

sweet and semi-sweet biscuits and chocolate biscuits;

rice;

shredded suet;

table jellies;

dried egg;

mincemeat.

Points rationed foods are not distributed on a per capita basis.

Increases in rations:

With the exception of sugar, margarine and cooking fat the weekly rations of straight rationed foods show an increase on those obtaining a year ago:

— Four weeks ended 27th March, 1949 Four weeks ending 26th March. 1950
Butter 3 oz. 4 oz.
Cheese 1½ oz. 2 oz.
Bacon 2 oz. 5 oz.
Tea 2 oz. 2½ oz.
Meat 1s. 1d. 1s. 6d.
(approximate value at today's prices)

Decrease in sugar ration:

The sugar ration is now 8 oz. per week as compared with 10 oz. a year ago.

No change.—Margarine and cooking fat remain at 4 oz. and 2 oz. respectively.

Controlled foods.—As in 1949 milk and eggs are being removed from controlled distribution during their flush season periods this year.

Sweets.—Sweets were derationed from the 24th April, 1949, to the 13th August, 1949 (four ration periods) but personal points rationing was reimposed from 14th August. The ration is now 5 oz. a week, against 4 oz. a year ago.

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