Compulsory and Voluntary Rationing
Rationing for bacon and butter will be introduced on January 8th. Sugar will not be rationed, but consumers are asked to register with a retailer and to restrict their pur- chases to one pound per week. Mr. W. S. Morrison, in- fluenced by representations from retailers, has concluded that earlier introduction of rationing would confuse thd Christmas trade. He had an adequate reply to the com- plaint that many retailers are not receiving enough to satisfy requirements, and that postponement would involve in- equality and unfairness ; inequalities in the amounts allotted, he explained, arose from the difficulty of knowing the consuming needs of each locality before registration had come into force. Now the information is available, and dis- tribution should be equitable. His argument does suggest that where the shortage of commodities is not severe volun- tary as opposed to compulsory rationing would meet the case. No one wants the inelasticity of the fixed compulsory ration except when it is really necessary to ensure that all have their share—though war-measures like this have a certain moral value. If it is uncertain when that point is reached compulsory rationing should have the benefit of the doubt. Mr. Morrison is giving a trial to both methods— compulsory rationing with bacon and butter, voluntary with sugar. It is for the sugar-consumers to show themselves worthy of confidence.
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