§ 20. Sir I. Fraserasked the Minister of Food to make a statement on the Government's future policy for meat rationing; and if he will indicate the probable level of the ration during the spring.
§ The Minister of Food (Major Lloyd George)As my hon. Friend knows, our ultimate aim is to abolish meat rationing. This aim cannot be realised until it can be seen for some time ahead that there will be sufficient meat available to meet reasonable demand. In the meantime, I shall keep the ration as stable as possible at the highest prudent level. While I prefer not to forecast future ration levels, I can say that I hope to maintain a ration of at least 1s. 9d. during the spring and early summer.
§ Sir I. FraserWill my right hon. and gallant Friend also have in mind that, even though there is some risk in the policy of allowing the law of supply and demand to operate, in the end it is the quickest way to get more supplies at competitive prices?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAs long as the supply position remains as at present we have to be fairly prudent, particularly about future prospects.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonCould the Minister explain why it is that in the meantime he has increased butchers' profits by £1 a week? Can it be that there are signs of malnutrition among this section of the community?