HC Deb 03 May 1950 vol 474 cc1689-90
51. Miss Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Food if he will list the points foods which under the latest system holders of single ration books cannot obtain.

The Minister of Food (Mr. Maurice Webb)

There are no such foods, although of course the larger tins of certain foods cost more than 16 points.

Miss Ward

Will the Minister bear in mind that the new arrangement treats the holders of single ration books very badly indeed?

Mr. Webb

This is one of the problems we thought would arise and at the end of a month's experience of the new scheme I promised to undertake a review of all these considerations. That is certainly one which will have to be examined.

60. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that as a result of the reduction to 16 of the points allowance per person great hardship is being placed on those persons who desire to purchase syrup at 14 points per 2 lb. tin to supplement their sugar ration for cooking purposes; and if he will consider either reducing the points value of syrup or increasing the points allowance.

Mr. Webb

Yes, Sir. I am fully aware of this problem. It was in my mind when I stated that the restricted points scheme would cause problems, both for traders and housewives. We are compelled to make the number of points available equal to the total points value of the goods in the shops. If we did not do so, there would be even greater injustice, and certainly much greater complaint. However, this is one of the matters I will take into account when I make the comprehensive review of the points scheme which I promised to make after about a month's experience of the revised scheme.

Mr. Shurmer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, even with the best intentions in the world, instead of giving some concessions he has, in fact, taken away from the smaller families? The outlay of 12 points for a pound of biscuits or 16 for a pound of currants means that no points are left for the remainder of the month? Something must be done very quickly to give these people a chance of buying points goods.