Meat Ration

HC Deb 11 May 1953 vol 515 cc858-9

18. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Food when he decided to increase the meat ration from 1s. 9d. to 2s.; and why he made this announcement to the annual conference of Conservative women instead of to this House.

Dr. Hill

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and gallant Friend to the hon. Member for Huddersfield, East (Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu) on 4th May, 1953.

Mr. Lewis

I have seen that answer and, in view of the fact that it does not answer the point in the Question, will the Parliamentary Secretary tell us why, when the Minister was answering Questions in the House last Monday and last Wednesday, he did not take the opportunity of making this announcement on either of those days rather than making it to a women's conference?

Dr. Hill

The announcement was made at the conference in question at the same time as it was made to the Press. There are ample precedents for that, particulars of which I should be glad to supply to the hon. Member.

Mr. Lewis

But does the Minister not appreciate that the Minister was answering Questions both on Monday and on Wednesday, and surely in courtesy to the House he could have taken the opportunity of giving the House the information before deciding to give it to an outside body?

Dr. Hill

My right hon. and gallant Friend answered the Questions that were put down to him on Monday. He announced this change to the Press and at the same time, or just afterwards, he made the announcement to another body.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not obvious that this was a sop offered to Conservative women in order to allay their discontent with the Government?

Dr. Hill

No doubt the right hon. Gentleman has forgotten that his right hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, Central (Mr. Webb) announced to a political meeting on 27th April, 1951, that the sweet ration was to be increased and did not issue the Press notice until 15th May.

Mr. Shinwell

How is it possible for the hon. Member to show such intelligent anticipation of the Question I put by having it prepared in his brief?

Dr. Hill

I think the right hon. Gentleman's thoughts and ours run on similar lines.

Mr. Nabarro

Is my hon. Friend aware that the general public are not in the least interested where the announcement was made, but there will be unanimous approval of the fact that their meat ration is to be maintained at a uniform 2s. worth for the remainder of this year?