HC Deb 22 May 1916 vol 82 cc1815-6
34. Mr. TICKLER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove the restriction made by the Sugar Commission that they will only provide and supply sugar for the preserving of home-grown fruit, owing to the fact that the major portion of the supply of black currants for making this valuable jam is imported from France?

Mr. McKENNA

No such restriction as is referred to is at present in existence. The Commission is engaged in endeavouring to complete arrangements for giving special facilities for fruit preservers to obtain the necessary supplies of sugar, and these arrangements were prompted by the desire to take full advantage of the home-grown fruit. Before the arrangements are completed the question raised shall have consideration.

Mr. TICKLER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the secretary of the Commission told a trade meeting at Manchester that only endeavours to provide sugar for home-grown fruit would be made?

Mr. McKENNA

I am not aware of that fact.

Mr. TICKLER

He did tell them.

35. Mr. TICKLER

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that the consumption of sugar has only been reduced by about one month's supply, instead of 25 per cent., as he anticipated, and that at the present time there is only in this country about three weeks' supply of sugar, or 107,050 tons, as compared with 302,950 tons at the same time last year, and that the stocks in the hands of manufacturers are practically nil; and if he will at once consider the advisability of restricting the deliveries of sugar for the manufacture of such luxuries as sweets and chocolates, in order to provide a sufficiency of sugar to preserve the fruit now maturing in this country, in view of its importance as food for the people?

Mr. McKENNA

The question of the use of sugar for confectionery is at present engaging the attention of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply, and the Commission is also engaged in endeavouring to complete arrangements for securing the supply of all sugar required for preserving the home-grown fruit crop.

Mr. TICKLER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that manufacturers cannot get supplies of sugar when they apply for them? They are refused them. Instead of 75 per cent., they are only allowed from 25 to 50 per cent. It is impossible to carry out the proposals of the Government—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman is making a series of statements.

Mr. McKENNA

I will inquire into the hon. Gentleman's allegations.