§ Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Minister of Food in what circumstances divisional food officers in Scotland are 476W permitted to authorise the issue, against cancellation of the appropriate number of bread rationing units, of a special form for points which may be used for the purchase of oatmeal.
§ Mr. StracheyDivisional food officers in Scotland have been given full discretion to authorise the exchange of bread units into points to ensure that heavy consumers of oatmeal continue to obtain adequate supplies. Oatmeal is treated as equivalent to flour, so that two points are allowed for every three bread units cancelled. The special form issued may be used only for the purchase of oatmeal. This limited exchange is permitted wherever the divisional food officer is satisfied that the normal allowance of points is insufficient to provide the quantity of oatmeal required. For remote areas the authorities may be issued in advance, in the circumstances set out in my reply to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. Gandar Dower) on 29th November, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.