§ 9. Mr. Llewellynasked the Minister of Food on which rationed foods and upon what quantity of each, he bases his estimate that the cost of weekly rations per person will not be increased by more than 8½d. during 1951.
§ Mr. WebbThe estimate was based on the latest available information about price trends and the supplies available. But to disclose details of this calculation might prejudice my Department's commercial 1442 transactions. In view of the increases in retail food prices which will be necessary to offset rising procurement costs, I felt it my duty to take the first available opportunity of informing the housewife about the likely effect on her weekly expenditure.
§ Mr. LlewellynDoes the Minister agree that if ration increases are made his calculation then becomes quite worthless?
§ Mr. WebbThe calculation was based on our assumption of possible increases in supplies, and, in some cases, of possible decreases. On that assumption I arrived at that figure, and on that I stand.
§ 11. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Food what nourishing food he will make available to compensate for the shortage of meat and cheese.
§ Mr. WebbThe rations of those basic foods which are controlled by my Department will be increased whenever available supplies permit.
§ Mr. BossomDoes the Minister contend that the present ration is entirely satisfactory?
§ Mr. WebbI do not suppose that any Minister of Food would contend that the present ration was satisfactory. I would never agree that our food supplies were satisfactory until we were able to get rid of rationing.
§ Miss HorsbrughWas the Minister's estimate of an increase of 8½d. on the amount to be paid for the weekly rations made on the assumption that the meat ration would be kept at 10d.?
§ Mr. Somerville HastingsDoes not the protein content in milk, peas and beans replace, to a large extent, the proteins in cheese and meat?
§ Mr. Michael AstorDoes the Minister's answer include the eggs available for purchase by his Ministry?