§ 38. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that in the new ration books just issued there are 34 coupon pages, against 28 coupon pages in the last issued ration books; and what is the reason for the additional six pages of coupons; and what extra foods it is his intention to bring on to the ration.
Dr. HillThe ration book was designed to deal with any emergency that might arise before it ceases to be used in May, 1953. The answer to the last part of the question is, "None."
§ Mr. LewisAre we to take it that over £25,000 and tons of paper are being used for these extra pages for an unknown emergency? As the Prime Minister and General Eisenhower now say that war is less imminent, why waste money and paper?
39. Mr. F. Wileyasked the Minister of Food why some new ration books have been inserted in a cardboard folder on which is printed, "Free enterprise has removed the need for sugar rationing"; and why this has been done.
§ 40. Dr. Kingasked the Minister of Food why the Hereford Food Office issued new ration books in cardboard holders presented with the compliments of Messrs. Tate and Lyle, Limited.
Dr. HillFood Offices do not supply cardboard folders, with or without slogans, but if people present their ration books in folders we try to return them. I can only assume that in Hereford a folder was returned to the wrong person.
Mr. WilleyIf my information does not agree with that of the Parliamentary Secretary, will he look into the matter, because it is very aggravating to those people who do not want this folder that they should be presented with it?
Dr. HillThe hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that the Department does not issue folders for this purpose.
§ Dr. KingWould the hon. Gentleman agree that it would be a bad thing for the Ministry to issue, not merely advertisements, but party political propaganda?