§ Colonel Burtonasked the Minister of Food what representations he has received from butchers relative to the date of the commencement of rationing; and whether, as a result of such representations, he is contemplating any alterations of the date?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonNo representations were received from the national organisations of butchers about the date for meat rationing since the announcement of that date. I know of no reason why the date should have been postponed.
§ Mr. G. Straussasked the Minister of Food why, during last week-end, it was impossible to buy imported beef in many parts of the country?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe supply of imported beef available for civilian consumption in this country is dependent to a large extent on the requirements of the fighting services and the front-line troops of the French Army, which requirements consist almost entirely of imported beef. The supplies now available for the civilian population, therefore, include a much smaller proportion of imported beef than before the war. This accounted for the shortage of imported beef at the end of the week in question.