HC Deb 14 May 1952 vol 500 c1420
24. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Food why he incurred an expenditure of £23,500 for 184 tons of paper required for the extra six pages of coupons in the new ration books.

Major Lloyd George

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Lewis), on 12th May.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the Minister aware that that answer does not reveal how many of the new ration books were printed before 25th October? Could not many tons of paper and thousands of pounds have been saved if the Government had really believed in the larger, better, cheaper supplies of food they were promising at that time?

Major Lloyd George

I can only repeat what I said before—that the arrangements for this book were put in hand a year ago.