HC Deb 12 March 1952 vol 497 cc1382-3
51. Mr. Frederick Mulley

asked the Minister of Food why he failed to honour the domestic butter ration in Sheffield for the week ending 1st March; and, since this is the second time this has happened this year, if he will take steps to maintain an adequate stock of butter in Sheffield to prevent a recurrence of this inconvenience to Sheffield housewives.

Dr. Hill

My right hon. and gallant Friend is not aware that the domestic butter ration has not been honoured in Sheffield. Stocks of butter are at a seasonal low point and we have had to make delivery arrangements less convenient to traders than those we usually operate. This has on a previous occasion delayed issue of rations for a day or two, but there have been no complaints from consumers relating to the week to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Mulley

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that his own Department at Sheffield issued an official statement to the local Press trying to explain why it was that the Sheffield housewives who went on Thursday, Friday or Saturday for their butter had to wait until the middle of the following week? Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that this does not happen again?

Dr. Hill

There is involved at this time of the year here and there a short delay, with the result that the consumer cannot always obtain the ration on the first two days of the week. It is infrequent. We are doing our best to deal with it.

Mr. Mulley

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it was at the end of the ration period that the housewives were unable to get their butter and will he see that Sheffield is not selected for this treatment, because one does not hear of the same complaint in other parts of the country?

Dr. Hill

I assure the hon. Member that there is no attempt to deprive Sheffield of its butter.