Front Cover

A file containing memoranda for meetings of the Lord President's Committee on domestic affairs during the Second World War. Topics discussed include the prices of and government policies relating to domestic goods such as clothing and soap, and fuels such as coal; the emergency rationing of food if Britain were to be invaded; practical issues with salvage and recovery after enemy attacks; and general rationing policies in line with changes in trade and reserve stocks. Other themes include Britain's role in the negotiations of a post-war international wheat committee, and misgivings about the related trade agreement; the sourcing of skilled labour for the armed forces and agricultural work; strains on transportation infrastructure for industrial workers; and the provision of suitable nutrition for school children. Recurring subjects of documents in the file include regular reports on overseas trade; supplies of raw materials; and the production and consumption of coal.