000004

Description

A file of memoranda and reports documenting to the British War Cabinet's handling of food policy. Subjects covered in the file include domestic agricultural production of commodity foods and feedstuffs; the reduction of ration sizes, including bacon rations, for military personnel; the importation of certain foods and feedstuffs; and wartime nutrition with the formulation of the Basal Diet. Documents in the file include weekly statistical reports relating to the supplies of commodity foods and feedstuffs, with losses caused by German air raids and the sinking of cargo ships; a discussion of milk policies, such as the Cheap Milk Scheme and the concern over the vulnerability of milk supplies; and progress reports concerning the progress of agriculture in Northern Ireland. Other subjects discussed include food and livestock prices; brewing and distilling provisions; cheap food for the poorer classes; fertiliser requirements for British agriculture; and communal feeding for schoolchildren and workers.