Description:
One replica ration book and one original ration book belonging to Reginald Austin of Basingstoke, Hampshire in 1953-1954.
Food rationing started during shortages in the Second World War and continued in Britain until 1954. The coupons inside could be used for items such as meat, eggs, cheese, bacon and sugar. Ration books were given to everyone in Britain who then registered in a shop of their choice. When something was purchased the shopkeeper marked the purchase off in the customer’s book.
The Ministry of Food was a government department set up to regulate food usage during rationing. They produced various booklets to help people make the most of their ratione. Fruit and vegetables weren’t rationed but were often in short supply.
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