20 DECEMBER 1946, Page 5

We are never quite contented when something that has been

freely given has been—legitimately, but ruthlessly—taken away. That applies particularly to bread units which are no longer convertible into points. Now it is reasonable enough, no doubt, that cereal units should not b.: used for the purchase of tinned steak, but couldn't Mr. Strachey really let them be used for buying other cereals ? Mr. Spence, in the House of Commons on Monday, wanted bread units made available for buying oatmeal, and Commander Noble wanted them for any wheaten food like corn flakes. Well, why not ? Yet both Hon. Members got the dustiest of answers. I wish Mr. Strachey would think again about this. More porridge or cereals for breakfast would certainly mean less bread eaten