HC Deb 27 October 1947 vol 443 cc18-9W
79. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food how the consumption of flour in Great Britain for the seven months February to August, 1947, compares with the consumption for the seven months immediately preceding the institution of the bread rationing coupon system; what proportion of the saving he attributes to the use of bread rationing coupons; and what proportion to the restrictions imposed on catering establishments.

Mr. Strachey

Deliveries of flour from mills during the 30 weeks ended 30th August, 1947, were 4,000 tons a week less than in the 30 weeks immediately before bread rationing, a fall of about 4 per cent. Of this 4,000 tons per week saving we estimate that only a small part of not more than 200 tons a week was attributable to restrictions imposed on catering establishments.

80. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food on what basis allocations of flour are made to bakers in the Reading food division; what proportion of the bread rationing coupons submitted by them are checked each month; and how much time and labour are spent each month at the local food offices in counting the bread rationing coupons.

Mr. Strachey

Bakers may buy as much flour as they need to meet their customers' rations; there are no allocations. A varying proportion of the coupons are checked each month.

81. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Food what variation there is from month to month in the allocations of flour to bakers; and whether he is satisfied that, with the experience now obtained, the consumption of flour could not be as efficiently restricted by rationing the bakers without imposing upon them and consumers the burden of bread rationing coupons.

Mr. Strachey

Flour is not allocated to bakers; the rationing scheme leaves them free to buy what, they consider necessary to meet the ration requirements of their customers, and their usage shows considerable variation from month to month. Experience of bread rationing does not suggest that restrictions on bakers' purchases would be a satisfactory alternative.

82. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider granting extra bread units to pre-payment meter collectors in rural areas who will have to carry packed meals.

Mr. Strachey

I am sorry, but I cannot see my way to do this.

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