§ 33. Colonel Gomme-Duncanasked the Minister of Food whether he is now able to make a statement about the next increase in the meat ration.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, Sir. The meat ration will be increased from 1s. 7d. to 1s. 9d. on 20th July.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanWhile thanking my right hon. and gallant Friend for that encouraging reply, may I ask him whether he has any further ration increases to announce?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe House will know that I have already made an announcement about tea, which is to go up by ½ oz. on 15th July. I have already announced to the House that later in the year the butter ration will have to come down by 1 oz.; that will take place in August, but I am glad to say that I shall be able at the same time to increase the margarine by an equivalent amount.
§ Mr. RoyleCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what ration increase this would represent at the old price?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIf we bring it down to one common level, the 1s. 9d. now is equal to 1s. 5½d. at the old price, which represents an increase of 3½d. upon the is. 2d. ration this time last year.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerWhat is the comparison with the ration this time last year?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI have just explained that the ration is a little more than it was last year in quantity.
§ Mr. RankinCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us exactly what the quantitative increase is?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI cannot work it out now, but I have brought the figure down to the same denomination as last year, and when I say that it is 3½d. up it is that much more meat.