50 years ago
THE OFFER of philanthropic Britons to reduce their own rations in order that more food may be sent to liberated Europe does credit to those who make it, but I am not sure it is a very practica- ble proposition. Rations here have been cut to the lowest limit consistent with the preservation of health — producers need adequate sustenance — and any decrease that might conceivably be made would represent an almost insignificant contribution to the solution of the European supply-problem. Fats, for example, which are all important, could not be cut. Individuals could, no doubt, offer to renounce all or part of a particular ration in the interests of con- tinental consumers, but that would raise almost insuperable administrative diffi- culties. Moreover, most of the trouble in Europe springs less from actual lack of food than from lack of transport to get the food where it is wanted. What is practical politics is to urge that rations he not increased here till Europe is bet- ter off. Meanwhile, warm tribute must be paid to Canada, which is re-imposing meat-rationing in order to increase the amount available for Britain and other European countries.
The Spectator 14 September 1945
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