§ 45. Miss Burtonasked the Prime Minister whether the recent statement of the Minister of Food that a decision as to de-rationing depends upon how much the people who do take up their rations would consume if the commodity were not rationed represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)I am informed that my right hon. and gallant Friend did no more than stress the argument that before any food can safely be de-rationed, supplies must be adequate to meet the likely demand when it is off the ration.
§ Miss BurtonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to the Press, that was not exactly what the Minister of Food said? Is the Prime Minister aware that people are much more concerned that everybody should be able to take up their rations rather than how much more the better off can have?
§ The Prime MinisterAll these are matters which might well form the material of a debate upon the topic in the course of our Parliamentary proceedings.
§ Miss BurtonWill the Prime Minister answer my Question? Is this the policy of the Tory Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it is a good thing to try to embark on controversial arguments on large issues at Question time.