Minister of Food, 1942
Diary extracts and correspondence, thematically arranged, with extensive footnotes identifying newspaper coverage of Woolton’s policies and actions on rationing, as the Battle of the Atlantic continued, with the added complication of the entry of the USA into the war, given the impact on supply management. The toll on shipping continued to provide a challenge to imports from the Empire. Woolton’s continuing consciousness of the importance of media-related strategies of explain and so gather public support for Ministry policies (including changes in rations) is revealed, and his continuing frustration with party politics, fellow politicians and other departments (including Agriculture) are revealed. The challenges of engaging with Churchill are shown to have continued, while his positive relations with the Royal Family continued.