25. Mr. F. Wileyasked the Minister of Food when the butter ration was last reduced to two ounces and for what period it was so reduced; for what reasons it is now to be reduced to two ounces; and for what period it will be so reduced.
§ Major Lloyd George9th November, 1947, for eight weeks to 3rd January, 1948. The reduction to 2 oz. from 10th August next is due to a decline in exports from some of our principal supplying countries. I shall restore the 3 oz. ration as soon as supplies permit.
§ Mr. WilleyWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider sending businessmen abroad to get supplies?
§ Mr. OsborneIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that before the war under a Tory Government the butter supplies for this country amounted to 497,000 tons but under the Socialist Government last year were only 314,000 tons?