Mr. NICHOLSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the mid-day meal of agricultural workers usually consists of bread and cheese; whether he is aware that, owing to the shortage of cheese in most of the agricultural districts of Hampshire, the labourers are unable to procure any; and whether the Food Controller can see his way to divert cheese from town to country districts, in order that the agricultural labourers may be able to procure it, especially as appeals have been lately made by the Government for increased effort on the part of agricultural labourers?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe distribution of cheese to retailers is based on the quantities handled by them in 1916. The distribution in February amounted to 50 per cent, of that quantity. It is hoped shortly to effect another distribution on the same basis, though owing to delays in 325W sea transit there has been a rather longer interval than usual. The question of increasing supplies of cheese for certain areas is under consideration.