Apparently, (I am too young to remember) Although bread wasn't rationed during WW2 it was between 1946 and 48 by Clement 'Fair Shares' Atlee. The measure was ostensibly meant to help starving Germany after they'd spent five years trying to bomb the hell out of us. That's not my style of Socialism. Coupled with the fuel crisis it provoked the headlines Starve with Strachey (John Strachey , Minister of food) and shiver with Shinwell (Manny Shinwell, Minister of fuel) Motor fuel was derationed in 1950 and was available as low octane Pool Petrol until brand names were re- established. I can actually still remember the 'pinking ' bangs. Now that's probably when counselling might have helped because we were all still shell shocked from the being bombed by the poor starving Germans who probably bombed Marged's Chippy. Jim Sharpe Shaw, Oldham. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.351 / Virus Database: 197 - Release Date: 4/19/02