§ 29, 33 and 34. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food (1) what action he takes to prevent retailers from disposing of rations which have not been taken up to other customers not entitled to them in accordance with the rationing regulations;
(2) how far his regulations preclude the free sale by retailers to any applicant of the 5 per cent. of the cooking fat ration which is-not taken up;
(3) how far his regulations preclude the free sale by retailers to any applicant of the 5 per cent. of the bacon ration which is not taken up.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIt is contrary to the rationing Orders to supply, or to obtain more than the prescribed quantities of rationed foods. Compliance with these Orders is dealt with through the appropriate machinery of my Department.
§ Mr. LewisIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that many people are getting more than their rations because the price of food has gone up to such an extent since this Government came into office that many of the poorer people cannot afford to take their rations? Will he see that the ordinary people get their full rations and that extra rations do not go to those who have the extra money?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAs I told the hon. Gentleman last time, he has been misinformed again. The percentage of most commodities taken up this year is greater than the amount last year.
§ Mr. LewisIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in Questions Nos. 33 and 34 I have quoted his own figures of non-take-up? If that is the case, how does he explain his last answer? Will he go into some of the poorer areas of London and see what is happening in the shops?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeQuestion No. 33 deals with cooking fats, and the take up this year is 2 per cent. greater than it was last year.