§ 66. Mr. LUNDONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state why it is impossible for grocers who have only recently started business to acquire sugar; and will he see that men who have invested their money in such business will not be penalised simply because they are new traders?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. McKenna)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for the Ludlow Division on 1st November, of which I am sending him a copy. If traders were allowed to deal in sugar for the first time during the present period of restriction of supplies, it would be impossible for the issue or disposal of those supplies to be fairly or effectively regulated.
§ Mr. PRINGLECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether in cases where business has increased owing to increased population any extra grant of sugar is given to the shopkeepers?
§ Mr. McKENNAI think it would depend somewhat on the circumstances. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in view I will inquire.