HC Deb 21 November 1951 vol 494 cc383-5
67. Sir Richard Acland

asked the Minister of Food whether he will reintroduce points rationing in the near future.

69. Mr. Adams

asked the Minister of Food what steps he is proposing to take, following the cut in food imports, to ensure the fair distribution of scarce foods; and whether he intends to re-introduce the points system for non-rationed foodstuffs.

Major Lloyd George

I shall of course watch developments closely; but I do not intend to reintroduce points rationing.

Sir R. Acland

In view of the cut in unrationed foods, no doubt necessary, what steps will the Minister be taking to make sure that the restricted supplies available are not directed to those areas where higher prices can be paid for them?

Major Lloyd George

The food retailers have for a very considerable time had to deal with goods in very restricted supply. They have very great experience, and I feel that they have handled this extremely well.

Mr. Adams

Is the Minister aware that the points system of allocating scarce non-rationed foodstuffs has worked very well in the past, and what assurance can he give that, if he refuses to introduce this system again in the future, well-to-do people will not be able to buy these foods at the expense of those who are not able to pay for them?

Major Lloyd George

That, of course, we shall watch very carefully, as we always have done. In so far as the points rationing scheme is concerned, there are many things to take into consideration. The scheme costs the Ministry about £380,000 a year with 1,000 staff, and that does not include the expenses to the trade which needs to employ many more people.

Mr. Donnelly

is it not a fact that many of these foods which have been cut under the import restrictions announced did come under the old points rationing quota, and is there any assurance that there is to be price control on the limited supplies coming into this country, so that there will be no steep rise in the cost of goods now becoming scarce?

Major Lloyd George

I do not think It is true to say that the tinned goods we are bringing in fit in exactly with the old points rationing scheme, What is cut is the more expensive hams, which, I understand, hon. Gentlemen on the other side did not mind so much when it was first announced. With regard to the others, I do not think there is any need to do anything in the way of control, but I am watching the matter very closely.

Mr. Adams

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.