§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether they can state what will be the calorific content of the rations of a member of the Forces under the new scale, a miner, a steelworker, an agricultural worker, a convict and a housewife.]
§ The JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE and FISHERIES (The Earl of Huntingdon)My Lords, the calorific equivalent of the rations of a member of the Forces under the new Home Service ration scale is 2,960; the average calorie value of prison diets on November 14,1947, was 2,712; the calorific equivalents of the domestic rations of an underground miner, a steel worker, an agricultural worker and a housewife are approximately 2,860, 2,150, 2,750 and 1,720 respectively. There can, however, be no comparison between the scales of food provided for a member of the Forces or for a convict and the basic rations of any particular category of civilians. The Home Service scale covers a number of foods which are not rationed to the civilians; and the figure given for prison diet covers the whole of the food which is available to convicts. Civilians are, of course, able to supplement their basic rations with un-rationed foods and meals in catering establishments; and special provision is made to canteens for industrial and other workers.