HC Deb 26 April 1917 vol 92 c2563
73. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there are families in Glasgow who have been unable to purchase any sugar for several consecutive weeks; and what measures the Ministry of Food proposes to take to secure that families obtain the ration of sugar to which they are entitled?

Captain BATHURST

As a result of inspection by the Ministry of Food additional supplies of sugar at the rate of seven tons a week have lately been sent to Glasgow. If the hon. Member will inform me of the district in which a shortage is still being experienced, further inquiries will be made into the matter.

Mr. SCOTT

Does the hon. Gentleman intend to wait until there is no sugar at all to regulate before he introduces some scheme of compulsory rationing?

Captain BATHURST

No, Sir. I am afraid the hon. Gentleman is not fully informed as to the case about which he has raised an inquiry. As a matter of fact, the municipal authorities estimated the additional population of Glasgow, and on their own figures their requirements have been met.

Mr. SCOTT

What is a family to do if the grocer with whom they are customers refuses to supply any sugar at all?

Captain BATHURST

I doubt if that supplementary question arises out of the main question; but in any case, if that has occurred, if the hon. Member will only let me know the facts, I will do my best to get a remedy.

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