Points Scheme

HC Deb 15 May 1950 vol 475 cc843-4

41. Mr. Yates

asked the Minister of Food if, in view of the hardships caused to housewives by the points reductions, he will indicate when the scheme will be reviewed in the light of complaints made.

77. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the difficulties experienced by housewives throughout the country in connection with the recent reduction in the number of points from 24 to 16, as regards the number required for one tin of syrup and one pound of sultanas, the Government will consider down-pointing these two articles of food without further delay.

83. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Minister of Food whether he will reduce the points value of sweet biscuits and syrup in order to relieve the difficulties caused to mothers of young children due to the shortage of sugar.

Mr. Webb

As I have already told the House, I had these possible difficulties very much in mind when I announced the recent points changes, and I promised to review them after a month's experience. That review will be made, but I would rather not anticipate it now.

Mr. Yates

Does my right hon. Friend realise that there is a widespread feeling among housewives that, since the changes have been made, they have not been able to obtain fair supplies of rice, biscuits, syrup and other foods, as they could before; and that there is no compensating value in giving them goods they do not want? Will he give an assurance to the House that this position will be remedied?

Mr. Webb

I am fully aware of the difficulties. We foresaw them. This is an inevitable part of the unwinding of a complicated rationing system. We cannot have more points than there are goods available. That would be silly. It does not help to solve the problem merely to inflate the currency of points. I am aware of the difficulties, and I hope that the review which is about to take place will find an adequate solution.

Mr. Shurmer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that already, in less than three weeks, many shops are stocking much of the stuff that is on points which cannot be released because of the inadequate number of points available?