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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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rationing
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Introduced in Britain during the last year of World War I, rationing began with sugar in December 1917; in July 1918 it was extended to meat, bacon, ham, lard, butter and margarine. Rationing schemes were in place from the start of World War II, and the ration book became a familiar feature of the war and postwar years. Bacon, butter and sugar were the first commodities to be rationed (from Jan. 1940), soon followed by a wide range of commodities including meat, eggs, margarine and lard, tea, cheese and milk, jam and marmalade.
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In July 1942 chocolate and sweets were added. Rationed non-edible goods included petrol, domestic coal and clothing. It was not until the years of austerity after the war that bread was rationed (July 1946) or potatoes (Dec. 1947). Restrictions were gradually relaxed from April 1948, but butter and meat could not be freely bought until 1954 nor coal until 1958.
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