§ Mr. W. Robertsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total consumption of bacon and butter under the rationing scheme and how such consumption compares with that of last winter; and whether he is satisfied that the high prices of these commodities is not defeating the purpose of rationing, namely, the equitable distribution of essential foods?
437W
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe amount of bacon issued for consumption by the civil population during the month of January, 1940, was, so far as figures are at present available, 606,390 cwts. as against an amount of 855,542 cwts. during January, 1939. The corresponding figures in the case of butter are 554,500 cwts. and 770,660 cwts. respectively. The purpose of rationing is to make available for all members of the community an equal share from the common stock, and I am satisfied that by rationing bacon and butter this purpose has been achieved.