FOOD IN BRITAIN

Waikato Times, Volume 193, Issue 22199, 19 November 1943, Page 3

FOOD IN BRITAIN

DROP IN PRODUCTION NEW ZEALAND’S HELP MAINTAINING RATIONS (United Press Assn.—El<*c. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Nov. 17 Eating in Britain now was more of a necessity act than an art which gave pleasure, said Mr Bankes Amery, Assistant-Secretary of the Ministry of Food, who was leader of the recent British Food Mission to Australia and New Zealand, in. a broadcast address tonight. In a world which was producing less food than ever, he said, it was impossible fer Britain to feed soldiers and civil population on a pre-war scale.

The British ration of Is 2d worth of meat, 2oz of batter and 3oz. of cheese each week was consequently in danger unless supplies from Australia and New Zealand were fully kept up. “Britain knows that Australia and New Zealand are feeding troops and have great demands on their products,” Mr Amery' said, “but nevertheless she is confident that all partners of the British Commonwealth, having decided to sink or swim together in this war. will see to it that regardless of hardship Britain’s meat and dairy produce rations are maintained. Britain has agreed to provide the whole of the shipping required for the purpose.” British Spirits Maintained

Mr Amery described how British housewives endeavour to make the best of the drab domestic wartime routine, and told of incidents showing how Britain, in the fifth year of war, was still keeping up her spirits. It was still one of the joys of social life in Britain to ask friends to have a meal in one’s home, but when rations were low invitations were worded rather differently than in normal times. A man recently said to friends whom he met after a long separation: “How about bringing your wife and some grub to supper at our place tomorrow ”

Commenting on the food position in Britain and the broadcast statement of Mr Bankes Amery, the* deputy-Prime Minister, the Hon. W. Nash, last night, said he hoped New Zealand and Australia would think out and decide what was the maximum that they ought to do and what was required to be done to ensure that the people of Britain were fed and maintained in their fullest health and strength to hold their position until the enemy was finally defeated. Mr Nash would make no comment on the question whether consideration on lines would imply rationing of meat in New Zealand.