The necessity for some curtailment of the nation╒s food consumption is urgent. An amount sufficient for each individual requires in consequence to be stated. The quantity indicated as being sufficient has been arrived at on no haphazard basis, but after full examination of the actual position of stocks immediately available or visible. Only by the adoption of and working to such average apportionment will it be possible to maintain an adequate margin to meet not only the actual situation, but contingencies which have to be allowed for. The main factors taken into reckoning are exigencies as affecting freight and transport and the necessity to curtail the nation╒s normal consumption so as to adjust it to the needs of the
situation.
The urgency of the position allows of no delay in informing the country of what is demanded of it. The public require and desire to have the need explained to them, and only by whole-hearted co-operation on the part of all can the object in view be achieved.
The three most important staples of daily consumption are bread, meat, and sugar, and forethought for the sustenance of the population requires a decision as to whether compulsion is necessary to ensure an equitable distribution and conservation of available supplies. Compulsory rationing to a fixed quantity per head involves a very elaborate machinery which in itself absorbs labour, and for that reason alone ought to be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Therefore, having carefully weighed the advantages and disadvantages, I have come to the conclusion that a voluntary system is preferable until further experience is gained, and to meanwhile rely on the nation's instinct of self-discipline. The allowance indicated is based on the average weekly consumption of each of these commodities which should be permitted to each person. After consideration of available stocks and probable means of future supplies, the situation requires that heads of families should endeavour to limit themselves to weekly purchase for each person comprising the household of the following quantities per head per week:-
BREAD ╤ Four pounds (or its equivalent in flour ╤ three for bread-making).
