§ 51. Mr. Blackasked the Minister of Food whether he will abandon the practice of requiring the production of identity cards at food offices when applications are made for new ration books.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIdentity cards provide a quick and easily understood means of controlling the issue of ration books. But I am examining the arrangements that would have to be made if the use of the identity card were to be discontinued.
§ 53. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Minister of Food what reply he has sent to those organisations which have suggested to him that ration books should be abolished now.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo suggestion has yet reached me.
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the Minister not aware that, in the course of the General Election, a questionnaire was sent out by the Scottish Housewives' Association suggesting that ration books should be abolished now? Have I his authority to answer appropriately to the Scottish Housewives' Association?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI should not have thought that the hon. Gentleman would need my authority. As long as rationing is in being, ration books must be somewhere near.