§ LORD BARNBYasked Her Majesty's Government whether they will state the number of persons in the United Kingdom believed to be in receipt from all sources of less than 80s. per week; what is the number of persons in the United Kingdom above the age of 16 by whom subsidised rationed food is obtainable; and what is the annual cost of such food to the Exchequer.
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§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (LORD CARRINGTON)I regret that information about the number of persons in receipt of less than 80s. per week is not available. There are approximately 38 million persons in the United Kingdom above the age of 16, all of whom can obtain subsidised444WA rationed food. The total cost to the Exchequer of subsidies on rationed food is estimated at £94 million during the current financial year, of which some £72 million is in respect of persons over 16.
House adjourned at thirteen minutes before six o'clock