HC Deb 16 February 1948 vol 447 cc153-4W
91. Mr. Paget

asked the Minister of Food the approximate quantity of rationed food received in this country each month by way of gift food parcels, the source from which these parcels come, and the proportion which are sent to individuals and to organisations.

Mr. Strachey

The generosity of Commonwealth countries and many foreign countries has been such that over the past two years bulk gifts of food for free distribution in the United Kingdom have averaged approximately 900 tons per month. I cannot give separate figures for rationed and unrationed commodities. Thirty per cent. of these bulk gifts are distributed to hospitals and residential charitable institutions, and 70 per cent. to individuals. There is, of course, a very much larger inflow of private parcel gifts between friends but we have no knowledge of the quantities of food involved.

106. Mr. Spence

asked the Minister of Food what quantities of fats and soap have been received from the Countrywomen's Association in Australia during 1947; how much has been distributed; and to whom.

Mr. Strachey

According to the information available in my Department, 360 cases of fats and 44 cases of soap were received during 1947 as gifts from the Countrywomen's Association of Australia. Of the fats, 271 cases went to local authorities for distribution to aged and needy people and 58 to hospitals, leaving 31 cases yet to be allocated. All the soap was allocated to local authorities