1917 – Food rationing

 
During WWI, the government was initially reluctant to interfere in the food market. However, a Ministry of Food was introduced in 1916, which exerted some controls over imported foodstuffs – sugar, meat and grains. It was wound up in 1921.

The Public Meals Order made it illegal to consume more than two courses while lunching in a public eating place or more than three for dinner.

In January 1917, Germany started unrestricted submarine warfare to try to starve Britain into submission. Voluntary rationing began in February 1917, with compulsory rationing being introduced in stages between December 1917 and February 1918 as Britain’s supply of wheat decreased to just six weeks’ consumption.

The Cake and Pastry Order 1917 limited the amount of sugar and lard that could be included in recipes.

Finally ration books were introduced in July 1918 for butter, margarine, lard, meat, and sugar.

Club minutes – 23rd April 1917

The Secretary submitted the Public Meals Order and the Cake and Pastry Order 1917 and explained that it would be less inconvenient both for the Members and the Club Management to bring the Club within the terms of certain provisions in both Orders which would exempt the Club from the operation of the order. These provisions were to the effect that:

(1) If no meals exceeding 1/-3d in cost were served in the Clubrooms and
(2) If between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m. no meal which did not include meat, fish or eggs, exceeding 6d in cost was served in the Clubroom

And notices to that effect were exhibited in the Clubroom, the Club would be outwith the operation of the Order.

It was resolved that no meals exceeding 1/-3d in cost were served in the Clubrooms and that between the hours of 2 and 6 p.m. no meal which did not include meat, fish or eggs, exceeding 6d in cost would be served and that a notice in terms of the draft submitted by the Secretary should be exhibited in the Clubrooms.

The Clubmistress was called in and informed of what had been decided and was instructed to adapt the amount of eatables supplied at a meal to the new prices.

The notice was in the following terms:-

The Public Meals and Cake and Pastry Orders 1917
On and after the date of this Notice and until further notice 

(1) No meals exceeding 1/3 in cost will be served in the Clubrooms:

and

(2) Between the hours of 3 and 6 P.M. no meal which does not include Meat, Fish or Eggs exceeding 6d in cost will be served in the Clubrooms.
Dunfermline 23rd April 1917.

The following selling prices were agreed to:-

Whisky (both Glengrant and Edinburgh Blend) 8d per glass
Bass & Lager 7d per pint
Imperial Stout 9d per pint

The adjustment of certain other prices was left with the Secretary.

 
Back to 1914 to 1918 – the war years