Strong criticism in the West Midlands of the Government's plan for rationing butter and bacon was forthcoming today.

The Press Association's political correspondent states that a big Parliamentary battle is likely to develop.

He says the Labour Opposition will fight tooth and nail for wider measures of control and for earlier introduction of rationing.

Labour's contention is that while some traders have been able to get abnormal supplies of foodstuffs since the war, others have failed to obtain their normal quota.

Mr Felix Blakemore, Wolverhampton grocer, told the Express & Star this morning that Midlanders are among the largest consumers of bacon in the United Kingdom.

"It is a big butter-consuming district too, and the rationing as it is at present contemplated will hit Midlanders seriously," he added.

Reaction of local housewives to rationing is one of resignation, writes an Express & Star  woman reporter.

The Mayor of Stafford, Councillor H Joynes, said the rationing appeared to him to be more severe than had been expected.

"There is not the slightest necessity for this rationing," declared Councillor E J Edkins, a leading provisi8on merchant in the town.

"If the Government admit that they have nothing in stock then they are culpably negligent."