HC Deb 17 March 1952 vol 497 cc1907-8
32. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Food if he will give details of the amounts, and the numbers, of cheese and bacon rations that have not been taken up since the increases in prices, ranging from 10d. to 1s. a pound, were made.

Major Lloyd George

We have no information about the number of rations taken up by consumers. As indicated in my reply to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. F. Willey) on 5th March, wholesalers have taken delivery of practically their full entitlement of these foods for the past two months.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that old age pensioners and the lower income group are finding it difficult to take their rations and that those rations are going on to the black market? Is it now the policy of the Government to introduce rationing by price?

Major Lloyd George

All I can say about that is that the actual take-up, particularly of cheese, is slightly higher than it was during the previous two years.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that the people really in need—the old age pensioners and the lower income group—cannot afford to take their rations, and that those who have the money are getting more than they are entitled to?

Major Lloyd George

That is why, possibly, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer decided to help the old age pensioners.

Mrs. Barbara Castle

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell us whether his Department exercises any check on the use or distribution of rationed food particularly at the wholesaling stage? Does he not realise that what my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis) said is in the experience of all of us—that some consumers are now being offered in the shops more than their ration because other consumers cannot pay?

Major Lloyd George

I should be extremely grateful if the hon. Lady could give me any information on that point. She will appreciate it is not an easy matter to get that information, and if she or any other hon. Member has information I should be very glad to have it and to look into it.

Mr. Lewis

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take time off to come to the poorest working class areas and go into the shops, where he will see that this happens daily?

Sir William Darling

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the hon. Lady the Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mrs. Mann) has made inquiries and that she assures me that the statements made by the hon. Member for West Ham, North are not in accordance with the truth?