§ 13. Mr. Nabarroasked the Minister of Food what foodstuffs still remain rationed; what space is regarded as the irreducible minimum in the ration book for the coupons or dockets that these rationed foodstuffs need occupy, as compared with the standard ration book as used during the last few years; what steps he is taking to reduce the size of the present ration book; and what economies can be anticipated by the substitution of a modified and simplified ration card, in view of the curtailment of foodstuffs' rationing.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeMeat, bacon, sugar, butter, cheese, margarine, cooking fats and eggs are still rationed. The ration book for the year commencing next May will contain eight pages less than the present book. Any further reductions which are practicable will be made as soon as possible.
§ Mr. NabarroDoes my right hon. and gallant Friend realise how greatly the general public will welcome de-rationing; and as an earnest of the desire of Her Majesty's Government to scrap all food rationing at the earliest possible minute, will he introduce the smallest possible ration book and endeavour to impose a time-table to get rid of rationing at the earliest possible minute?
Mr. J. T. PriceIs it not becoming increasingly obvious to the House and to the nation that the function of the Minister is that of being official receiver to wind up the affairs of the Ministry?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIf it is of benefit to the country, I could not agree more with the hon. Gentleman.