asked the Minister for Supplies whether he will state if the interview attributed to him in the Yorkshire Post regarding the proposal to ration the bread supply in this country accurately represents the position; and, if so, whether he will state when it is proposed to put the scheme for the rationing of bread into force, and on what basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rationing of Bread.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The position regarding the bread supply is at present receiving careful examination and announcements will be made from time to time as to the nature of the control to be exercised.
In connection with any proposed scheme of rationing, will the Minister bear in mind that bread is the staple article of food of working-class families? Working-class families consume a substantially greater amount of bread than well-to-do families, and will the Minister try to ensure that, if there is to be rationing of bread, it will not be on a head-for-head basis but on a need basis?
It would be very difficult to operate a rationing scheme on that basis?
Does not the Minister realise that a head-for-head basis would not be equitable, that while a loaf might be adequate for persons living in Merrion Square it would not be adequate for persons living in Gloucester Street? Will the Minister try to ensure that working-class families, who live mainly on bread, supplemented by whatever quantity of tea they can now get, will receive a greater quantity of bread under the rationing scheme than families who depend less upon bread as a food?
The equities of the situation will be borne in mind, but what is practicable will also have to be borne in mind.