BRITISH BREAD BLACKEST IN FIFTY YEARS

Chronicle (Levin), 15 May 1946, Page 5

BRITISH BREAD BLACKEST IN FIFTY YEARS

(Special Correspondent.) keeeived Tuesdar, 7 p.m. LONDON, -May 14. Food is tlie staple diet in the news at the juonient. -Mr. -Morrison 's flight to President Truman and his sombre deflaration that "tlie battle' is going against us, " gloomy forecasts of faniine in various paris of the world, and the annouTH'ement that rations issued to the Forces at hoine stations will be cut l>y 10 per cent., all have the same depressing and rather monotonous tone. As from this week Brit.ain will be I using bread that is blacker than it has ever lieen in the last. 50 years and it is understood tlie publie will shortly be told there is to be a further cut in the fat ration. The present ration is six ounces weckly per person — three of butter, tivo of margarine or vice versa aiid oue of lard. The new cut will be a hardship. On the credit side, however, Sir Ben Smith has declared that as from Jiine 23, the sweet ration will be increased by two ounces to 14 ounces monthlv per person. But he is able to do this only by curtailing suger for bakers' confectionery and beer. Beer is being cut by between 25 and 30 per cent. for draught bitter and up to 50 per cent. for bottled beer. This will reduce wliat the celebrated liumorist, Nat Gubbins, refers to as "mopping up uperations" but mopping up of anollier category will be aided by the fart that coupoiis I to be given up for towels are to be halved.