§ 17. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has considered the conclusion of the Food Survey Committee in its 1241 Annual Report, that the value of free food consumed by the wealthiest section of the community is twice as great as that received by old-age pensioners; and if he will take steps to redress the balance.
§ Mr. HoyThe so-called "free food" recorded in the National Food Survey is mainly the produce of gardens or other private land. The use of such land is a personal matter, but free produce represents a very small proportion of the value of food consumed by households in any group.
§ Mr. JenkinsIs it not the case that what is stated in my Question is true—that consumption is twice as great among the wealthiest section of the community as amongst the poorest? Is it not also the case that the consumption of all foods amongst the wealthiest section is one-third as much as amongst the poorest section? What steps is my right hon. Friend taking to bring about a more egalitarian distribution of food consumption?
§ Mr. HoyThe last part of the supplementary question has nothing to do with the Question on the Order Paper. I said that free food is a very small proportion, of total consumption 3 to 4 per cent. in the highest income group, and 2–2 per cent. in pensioner households. A great deal of this is food produced in gardens, allotments and elsewhere, and I do not think I could deny anyone the right to have bigger or smaller allotments.
§ Mr. JenkinsOn a point of order. Mr. Speaker. As my supplementary question has not been answered, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.