The Diaries and Letters of Lord Woolton 1940-1945 (Records of Social and Economic History)

This book is the first academic survey of Lord Woolton's important wartime role, first as Minister of Food and then as Minister of Reconstruction. Using Woolton's Diaries and correspondence (including letters between Woolton and Churchill), it provides key insights into how the Ministry of Food managed to operate undisturbed by wartime bombing out of its main base in Colwyn Bay while Woolton maintained the propaganda machine for the Ministry from his base in London. It enables a fuller understanding of the political decisions on rationing and the constant challenges facing the Ministry. Also revealed is Woolton's consciousness of the social impact of rationing decisions, evidenced through contemporary newspaper reports. The little-known work he did as Minister of Reconstruction 1943-1945 is also explored, providing a new background to understanding the setting up of the Welfare State after 1945. The material is arranged thematically within the book to enable easy naviagation.