§ Mr. Granvilleasked the Minister of Food if he has considered the resolution of the Hartismere Rural District Council of Suffolk of which a copy has been sent to him which expresses concern at the inadequacy of the rations available to farm workers most of whose meals are taken in the form of sandwiches; and if he will review their rations and place them on a standard comparable with those of heavy manual workers in other industries.
§ Mr. StracheyI have considered the letter from the clerk to the Hartismere Rural District Council, setting out the council's views on this matter, but I am afraid I cannot at the present time consider any increase in agricultural workers' rations. Farm workers get the same individual rations as heavy manual workers in other industries, with the single exception of underground miners, who receive an extra allowance of meat. Most also qualify for an extra 10½; oz. of cheese to meet their special need for sandwich fillings. The allowances of rationed foods granted to canteens on farms and to caterers who arrange packed meals services for farm workers are on the same scale as those granted to canteens catering for workers in heavy industries. Moreover, seasonal allowances of certain rationed foods are made available to farmers for supplementing their workers' meals at times of heavy pressure during the year.