HC Deb 24 November 1952 vol 508 cc33-4
58. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food how the tonnage of the bacon ration distributed in 1952 compares with the 1951 tonnage.

Major Lloyd George

Four hundred and seven thousand tons in the 47 weeks ending 22nd November, 1952, as compared with 352,000 tons in the corresponding period of 1951.

Mr. Lewis

Can the Minister give us an assurance that everyone is getting his full ration? Is he aware that some who are able to afford more than their rations are getting more than their proper allowance? Is that the reason for the greater take-up by those who can afford it?

Major Lloyd George

I found it a little difficult to follow some parts of the hon. Member's question. The fact is that the bacon ration this year is greater than last year.

Mr. Willey

Would the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that the bacon has been supplied under contracts signed by the last Government and will he guarantee that we shall get equal supplies for the next 12 months?

Major Lloyd George

The bacon position is looking very well at the moment.

Mr. Hurd

Does my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that this happy result has been obtained largely by our own breeding sows doing rather better?

Mrs. Cullen

Is the Minister aware that the increased supplies available in the shops are due to people in working class areas not being able to take up the ration of ham, owing to the price?

Major Lloyd George

That is not quite so. In certain sections of the higher paid income groups the take-up is not as much as in other classes of the community. The fact is, as I told the hon. Members last week, that the take-up is down by about 9 per cent., but there has been an enormous increase in the amount of gammon sold, which is about 2,000 tons a week.