§ 88. Mr. LUNDONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider the advisability of setting up in Ireland a Committee which would have full powers to deal with the distribution of sugar in Ireland?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the FOOD CONTROL DEPARTMENT (Captain Bathurst)I am in touch with the Royal Commission on Sugar Supplies in regard to the general distribution of sugar, and I will certainly consider the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ 103. Mr. PERCY HARRIS (Leicester, Harborough)asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, whether an official intimation had been given that arrivals of sugar after a certain date in October must be devoted solely to the use of brewers and brewers sugar makers; and, if so, whether, in face of the shortage of sugar for domestic use, he proposes to severely restrict the use of it in the production of intoxicants, aerated waters, fancy confectionery, and 1293 other luxuries; and whether, as a matter of national economy, he will take steps to restrain tradesmen from compelling the public to purchase goods they do not need as a condition of obtaining small quantities of sugar?
Captain BATHURSTThe Royal Commission on Sugar Supplies decided recently not to issue licences for the importation for other purposes than brewing of certain classes of sugar not well suited for ordinary consumption. By this means the space which its importation beyond those limits would have occupied was made available for other kinds of sugar or other necessary articles. The matters referred to in the last part of the question are engaging the Food Controller's attention, and he hopes to be able to announce shortly the steps he proposes to take in regard to them.
§ Mr. HARRISWill the statement be made before Christmas as to the proposed steps?
Captain BATHURSTI can add nothing more at present. I can only repeat that the Food Controller is giving the matter his most urgent attention.