§ 61. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked if it is by direction of the Sugar Commission that certain shopkeepers are refusing to sell sugar to poor people unless they will also buy tea; and, if not, whether the Government will take steps to prevent a continuance of the practice?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and I shall be glad if the hon. Member will 1018 bring to the notice of the Sugar Commission any cases in which it is alleged that retailers are refusing to sell sugar unless purchases of tea are made at the same time. The Commission will then take action with a view to stopping the practice.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is the universal practice not to supply sugar unless other articles are purchased?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is not the question put to me. Other commodities, I understand, but that any specific article should be named is different. Of course, I think the practice is quite usual to insist upon other articles which are required being bought in order to stop the practice of buying sugar at a great number of shops and thereby acquiring an amount which is greater than the ordinary consumption.
§ Mr. FLAVINIs he aware of the fact that in many portions of Ireland sugar cannot be supplied because people have not got it to sell?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think there is a question later on the Paper on that point.
§ Mr. O'DOWDSeeing that there is a shortage of sugar, a regular sugar famine, in many districts in the West of Ireland, can no means be made available to have a supply in some shape or form sent to them?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf the hon. Member will be so good as to bring any particular case to my notice I will have inquiry made.