DOWN TO FORMER LEVEL

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 10, 13 January 1942, Page 5

DOWN TO FORMER LEVEL

RATIONS FOR BRITONS

RUGBY, January 11. The decision to return to. former sugar, fats, and cheese rations was discussed in a broadcast by Lord Woolton. "In November we increased the rations," he said. "I • told you then that the increases would be temporary, and.we hoped to keep them till March —but I said that they might have to be withdrawn.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 of our stock position. "This position remains strong, but a new factor has arisen—the war with. Japan—and lots of our food has 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 and4hose 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 overseas, and we shall have to manage with smaller imports of food for a time. MUST REMAIN FLEXIBLE. "I always told you that food rationing must be flexible and that it would vary. We could keep on our present rations and live on our,stocks. But it would not be wise. That is why the Government decided to go back to the old weekly standard of Boz of sugar, 60.2. of margarine, fats and butter re-! maining at 2oz, and, from February 9, 2oz of cheese. "We lived on those rations up to the middle of November, and the nation kept fighting fit on them. Miners, agricultural labourers, and others whose work is heavy, will still get 12oz of cheese. "This variation in rations brings one thing very much to the front of our minds—the extent to which we are dependent on men of all ranks and grades; who go down to the sea in ships,: whether the Royal Navy or the Merchant Service. Let us praise them and be thankful."—B.O.W.