HC Deb 24 November 1947 vol 444 cc244-5W
77. Mr. Murray

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that potato consumption in the Wolsingham Sanatorium prior to rationing was 8.8 lbs. per week owing to the shortage of other food; whether there is any special concession for T.B. patients; or if he will recommend food to take the place of this reduction of 5.8 lbs. of potatoes each week.

Dr. Summerskill

My right hon. Friend is inquiring into the diet of patients in the Wolsingham sanatorium in order to discover whether the rationing of potatoes is causing undue hardship.

79. Mrs. Castle

asked the Minister of Food what percentage cuts he has made in the supplies of potatoes to fish friers and to other catering establishments respectively; and whether he will increase the allocation of potatoes to fish friers.

88. Mr. S. Shephard

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the reduction of potatoes to fish and chip establishments to 60 per cent. of their normal supplies will cause great hardship to the poorer section of the community; and will he consider granting them sufficient supplies to enable them to use their fat ration.

Dr. Summerskill

Supplies for fish friers, like domestic consumers, are reduced by about 40 per cent., while those for commercial catering establishments and crisp makers are reduced by 50 per cent. Schools and industrial canteens may serve about the same quantities as before the introduction of the distribution scheme. I am satisfied that the cuts have been fairly applied and I regret that our supplies do not permit us to give fish friers more favourable treatment.

81. Mrs. Castle

asked the Minister of Food what cuts have been made, under his potato distribution scheme, in the supply of potatoes to the Services.

Dr. Summerskill

This is under consideration with the Services Departments and I am not yet in a position to give details.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food why adequate arrangements were not made before the potato rationing scheme was introduced to enable caterers to secure the amounts to which they are entitled; and if he will provide them with some form of authorisation on presentation of which they can obtain their allocation from greengrocers.

Mr. Strachey

As was announced when the order was issued, it is intended that a form of trader's identity card should be issued to caterers with effect from 14th December. An earlier issue was not practicable, but if meanwhile any caterer experiences difficulty he should seek the help of his local food office.