HC Deb 04 February 1947 vol 432 c333W
117 and 118. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Food (1) if he is aware that, during the present season, the oat millers of the North of Scotland have produced a higher tonnage of oatmeal and oatflakes than ever before, about 5½1 thousand tons a week, while the demand for these has fallen by 50 per cent. owing to the present system of points rationing; and if he will devise means to make these goods available for the consuming public.

(2) If he is aware that there are now in Aberdeenshire 25 oatmeal mills standing idle; and if he will inquire into the cause of this and take steps to get them to recommence production.

Dr. Edith Summerskill

As my hon. Friend will know, the point value of oatmeal under the points rationing scheme has now been reduced from two to one per pound. As regards oat flakes, the demand is still in excess of supply and I do not feel able in these circumstances to modify their point value.