REDUCTION IN RATIONS

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23535, 13 January 1942, Page 6

REDUCTION IN RATIONS

MINISTER EXPLAINS REASONS (8.0. W.) RUGBY, January 11. The decision to return to the former sugar, fats, and cheese ■ rations was discussed in a broadcast address by Lord Woolton, Minister for Food. “In November we increased these rations,” he said? “and I told you then that the increases would be temporary and that we hoped to keep them until March—but I said that they might have to be withdrawn. We were able to make these increases to give us all a winter bonus, so to speak—because of the strength ol our stock position. “This position remains strong, but a new factor has arisen—the war .with Japan—and ’lots of our food haST been coming here across the Pacific Ocean. Also, this widening of the war is making a big call on the use of ships, both our own and those of the United States. “Ships that were bringing food to this country will for a few months have to be used to carry men and munitions to fresh places far over the seas, and we shall have to manage with smaller imports of food for, a time. “1 have always told you that food rationing must be flexible and that it must vary. We could keep on our present rations and live on our stocks. But it would not be wise. That is why the Government has decided to go back to the old weekly standard. We lived on those rations up to the middle of November and the nation kept fighting fit on them. “This variation in rations brings one thing very much to the front of our minds—the extent to which we are dependent on the men of all ranks and grades who go down to the sea in ships, whether of the Royal Navy or the Merchant Service. Let us praise them and be thankful.”