September
9, 1950
Let
them use Soap
After more than eight years,
soap rationing ended in the United Kingdom. The limitations on purchases of
soap had been in effect since February, 1942.
To deal with sometimes
extreme shortages, the Ministry of Food instituted a system of rationing. To
buy most rationed items, each person had to register at chosen shops, and was
provided with a ration book containing coupons. The shopkeeper was provided
with enough food for registered customers. Purchasers had to take ration books
with them when shopping, so the relevant coupon or coupons could be cancelled.
All types of soap were
rationed. Coupons were allotted by weight or (if liquid) by quantity. In 1945,
the ration gave four coupons each month; babies and some workers and invalids
were allowed more. A coupon would yield:
4 oz (113 g) bar hard soap
3 oz (85 g) bar toilet soap
1⁄2 oz (14 g) No. 1 liquid soap
6 oz (170 g) soft soap
3 oz
(85 g) soap flakes
6 oz (170 g) powdered soap
Born in 1950?
Then
congratulations on entering the world of Medicare. Like to know more …
