HC Deb 08 June 1943 vol 390 cc555-6W
Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can stagger the lunch hour at food offices where new ration books are collected so as to avoid any of them being closed for this period?

Mr. Mabane

It is not possible to lay down a rigid rule that food offices must not close for the luncheon interval as in many of the smaller offices such a rule would be impracticable. This is particu- larly so in connection with the issue of the new ration books where a number of clerks are performing a series of different operations. The food executive officer on the spot is in the best position to judge whether the staggering of the luncheon interval would be desirable and practicable.