Prime Minister to Minister of Food, 16 July 1942


"Complaints reach me about your new plans for poultry rationing as they affect country-folk.  The hen has been part and parcel of the country cottager's life since history began. Townsfolk can eke out their rations by a bought meal.  What is the need for this tremendous reduction to one hen per person?  Anyhow, the Cabinet ought to have been informed."