This week’s press conference at the Ministry of Food commenced on a none-too-jolly note. It concerned bones. Bones are wanted for the production of fertiliser, bone grease and glue. It was stated that the Ministry was anxious to secure that the maximum quantity of bones is collected from private households.

Although the actual quantity now being collected is considerable, the salvage of bones is not being carried out with anything like the same extent as the salvage of waste paper and waste metal. The hint is, however, that small caterers who do not already have a commercial arrangement for the disposal of their waste, not forgetting the all-important bones - and those the dog would bury for a rainy day, if he had his way - should look into the matter forthwith.