BRITAIN’S FOOD

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20951, 2 November 1939, Page 8

BRITAIN’S FOOD

MINISTER’S REVIEW PARTIAL RATIONING AMPLE MEAT SUPPLY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Nov. 2, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 1 Mr W. S. Morrison, Minister of Agriculture, in the House of Commons, stated that bacon and butter would be rationed from the middle of December, probably at 4ozs. each weekly per individual. Ration books were being issued and customers were requested to register with a retailer of their own choice. The Minister added that it was unnecessary to ration meat or sugar supplies, as there was sufficient for normal requirements. He emphasised the importance of avoiding food wastage. The 4oz. ration would depend on the continuance of the present rate of supply. Bacon and butter were perishable, and could not be stored; therefore no reserve existed at the outbreak of the war. Supplies were expected to increase but imports from Europe were reduced, and there was insufficient time to fill the gap from more distant sources. The amount of rationing would depend on the supply from time to time.

Mr Morrison reviewed the position of several other commodities. In the case of sugar, supplies, in sight, both home produced and imported, were sufficient for normal requirements. His conclusion was that there was no need at present to impose rationing for any commodity other than bacon and butter. . The manufacture of margarine had been greatly increased since the outbreak of the war. The quantity of cooking fats available was equal to normal. In the case of meat for which Britain was dependent upon imports for about one-half of its requirements, adequate supplies should continue to be available. Smaller Importations During the last few weeks there had been some reduction in the volume of imported supplies available in certain districts. This had been due to additional allocations to the fighting services coupled with the inevitable delay in arrival of meat ships, while the convoying of merchant shipping was being organised. The supplies in sight, however, for the future—home produced and imported—were ample to meet all reasonable requirements both of the services and civilian population. Meat rationing was, therefore, not considered necessary at present.