§ 27 and 28. Sir THOMAS ESMONDEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) if the Enniscorthy Union has been without sugar for some time and that the sickpatients there average 120; seeing that the board of guardians have been in communication with the Sugar Commission for months on the subject, steps will be taken to adjust the matter without further delay; (2) if the committee of the Enniscorthy Asylum have been officially advised that their sugar allowance is fixed at a half-pound per head weekly for their patients and employés; and, if not, will he have the information conveyed to them without delay?
Captain BATHURSTI am informed that the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply, who have been in communication 2022 with the contractors to the Enniscorthy Asylum, have now arranged for an emergency supply to the institution pending the settlement of certain unexpected difficulties. As regards the amount of sugar to be supplied, the Royal Commission, as I have stated in reply to a previous question, have already informed the Medical Superintendent that sufficient supplies will be allotted to them to allow ½ lb. a head to the number of patients and employés usually resident in the asylum.
§ Mr. DEVLINCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the Food Controller has now considered the suggestion made by the Irish party-that there ought to be a representative on the Sugar Commission in Ireland?
Captain BATHURSTYes, Sir; that has been under the consideration of the Food Controller, and he has been unable, so far, to come to a definite decision on the matter, but he is consulting the Chief Secretary about it.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the Food Controller have an early decision arrived at and not wait until all sugar is exhausted before appointing an Irish representative?
§ Sir T. ESMONDEWill the hon. Gentleman see that there is no avoidable delay in connection with the supply of sugar to the Enniscorthy Infirmary, and will he say who is responsible for the delay in informing the Enniscorthy Asylum of the decision of the Sugar Commission in relation to the matter?
Captain BATHURSTIf the hon. Member will read my answer I think he will find that an emergency supply has already been sent to the asylum. As regards the second part of his supplementary question, the real difficulty in this case is that the contractor to the asylum has quite recently told the Sugar Commission that he is unable to supply this institution with sugar. Of that fact they were not previously aware.
§ Sir T. ESMONDEWill the Sugar Commission see that this asylum gets its allowance because it is a matter of extreme urgency?
Captain BATHURSTI am afraid the hon. Member did not note the purport of my answer. The Sugar Commission is anxious and ready to see that the asylum gets its proper supply, and is now taking the necessary steps, which it could not take before owing to local difficulties.