§ 61. Mr. Stokesasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the average basic ration now being distributed in North Rhineland is only 900 calories instead of 1,550; and whether in view of the promises held out of an increase to 1,800 calories in July, 1947, he will now give an assurance that it will be maintained at that level throughout next winter and not reduced to 1,250 calories.
§ Mr. Skeffington-Lodge72, 73 and 74. asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether he will make a statement about the food position in the British zone of Germany, indicating by how much it has been found impossible in recent months to maintain the announced ration; the reasons for this; and the anticipated trends of the supply position between now and the next harvest;
(2) what imports of foodstuffs he expects to have to arrange between now and the next harvest in order to maintain the announced ration in the British zone of Germany; and whether he is satisfied that such imports can be made available.
(3) what proportion of their own food he expects the Germans can supply from their own resources up to the next harvest; and whether he is satisfied that these resources are being fully developed by the co-operation of his officers in providing seeds and other horticultural facilities where these are locally unavailable.
§ Mr. J. HyndConsistent and equitable distribution of rations in the British zone has always been difficult on account of the narrow margins available, coupled with the irregularity of imports during the past year. As a result of the recent fusion agreement, imports have been increased and maintained at an even flow, and the recent difficulties have not been due to an overall shortage of stocks. Against this the problems of distribution have during the past three months been intensified by the severe winter conditions. This situation was certainly not improved as a result of the transfer to the German authorities of responsibility for collection and distribution as from 1st January.
As I indicated on 5th March, average deficiencies throughout the zone amounted to about 80 calories a day in January, and 100 calories in February. In March more serious deficiencies occurred, particularly 305W in the Ruhr where, according to figures supplied by the German authorities, the majority of normal consumers received about 1,200 calories a day, and the official distribution in a few towns fell to 900 calories or even less on occasions. Sufficient supplies of indigenous and imported foods are available to meet the current rations, and with the improvement in weather conditions the worst is probably now over, and every effort will be made to replace recent shortfalls in the bread ration in the next few weeks.
The maintenance of the ration until the next harvest depends both on the efficient collection of indigenous supplies and on the importation of sufficient supplies from abroad. Over the whole year German-grown foodstuffs provide about one-half of the 1,550 calorie ration, but the greater part of these are consumed in the first six months of the crop year: the contribution from this source cannot be expected to represent more than one-third at most of the total ration. Everything possible is being done to increase food production in the zone, including the importation of seeds and fertilizers.
The importation of foodstuffs for the combined British-American zones is a joint commitment of His Majesty's Government and the United States Government. About two million tons of imported bread grains are required in the period up to the next harvest. About one-half of this has already been allocated for shipment. No promise has been given that the normal consumer ration will be increased to 1,800 calories in July, or any other specified date, although that figure has been accepted as a target by the British and American Governments under the fusion agreement, to the full extent that appropriated and other funds and the world food supply position permit.
In the present conditions of world food shortage the future must necessarily be uncertain in Germany as elsewhere. It must be recognised that the cure for the present position rests to a large extent in the hands of the Germans. They must themselves be prepared to accept full responsibility for the administration of the necessary controls, and their farmers must loyally co-operate in ensuring the maximum collection of indigenous supplies. Co-operation and not demonstrations is needed and I am glad to say that the trade unions generally are show- 306W ing that they are imbued with a commendable sense of responsibility in this matter. We are fully conscious of the hardships and difficulties which the German population have to face, but these will not be overcome by futile demonstrations but by the determined co-operation of all concerned—producers, consumers and administrators. Without this the efforts of the occupying Powers are largely stultified.