Rations

Oral Answers to Questions — Germany – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 27 November 1946.

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Photo of Mr William Shepherd Mr William Shepherd , Bucklow 12:00, 27 November 1946

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the average percentage of the ration which has been met in the British zone during the past six months.

Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe

The ration was effectively met in May, June and July. It is estimated that in August, September and October 93 per cent. of the ration was met, and that in the present month about 90 per cent. of the ration will be met.

Photo of Mr Richard Stokes Mr Richard Stokes , Ipswich

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster of what the 1550-calorie ration in the British zone is comprised.

Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe

The composition of the ration varies with the supplies available and all the items on the ration do not, of course, figure in each day's diet. With permission, I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the average daily ration for the present ration period.

Photo of Mr Richard Stokes Mr Richard Stokes , Ipswich

Can the Minister state whether any fats are included in his statement, and if so how many, because fats have been absent from many parts of the zone for many months?

Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe

Yes, Sir, the proportion of fat is about one quarter of an ounce, of which the calorific value is estimated at 50 or 51.

Photo of Sir Godfrey Nicholson Sir Godfrey Nicholson , Farnham

Can the Minister state whether there are any special ration scales for hospital patients?

Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe

Certainly, Sir. Special ration scales are laid down for a whole variety of special cases, including various grades of workers, age groups of children, expectant and nursing mothers and hospital cases.

Photo of Sir Godfrey Nicholson Sir Godfrey Nicholson , Farnham

I hope it will not be a purely average list in the printed answer. I hope the Minister will give details.

Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe

The Question asked for details about the 1,550 calorie normal consumer's ration.

Following are the details:

Foodstuff.Weight in Ounces.Calorific Value.
Bread12½873
Potatoes12½232
Other Vegetables11
Skimmed Milk4.443
Cereal Foods1.9176
Meat0.628
Fish0.7529
Fats0.2551
Sugar0.9107
Cheese0.065

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

Photo of Sir Edward Keeling Sir Edward Keeling , Twickenham

,—To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the present calorie value of the rations issued to the inhabitants of the British zones in Germany and Austria, respectively; and whether any increases are in sight.

Photo of Sir Edward Keeling Sir Edward Keeling , Twickenham

Mr. Speaker, in asking Question No. 37, may I apologise for the spelling of "calorie" which has infected my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) in his Question No. 34?

Photo of Mr Richard Stokes Mr Richard Stokes , Ipswich

On a point of Order, I never spell it that way; it is the officers of the House who do it.

Hon. Members:

Shame.

Photo of Mr John Hynd Mr John Hynd , Sheffield, Attercliffe

The basic ration for the normal consumer in the British zone of Germany and throughout Austria is 1,550 calories a day. In Austria the ration is fixed by the Austrian Government. In view of the present difficulty of maintaining even this level of sustenance, I am afraid I cannot, at present, give any assurance of an early increase, although every effort is being made towards this end.