§ 80. Mr. COOTEasked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, if his attention has been directed to the hardships inflicted upon certain retail grocers by reason of their being refused a supply of sugar because they were not in business in 1915; is he aware that, owing to the fluctuation of population and the closing of many small places of business owing to the War, the opening of new places was necessary, and that the distribution is at present so inefficient and control so weak that many firms in business prior to 1915 are deprived of their quota of supply; and will he consider the advisability of instituting a more equable system of distribution?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD CONTROL (Captain C. Bathurst)The Food Controller has within the last fortnight become Chairman of the Sugar Commission, and he is now considering very carefully what improvements can be effected in the arrangements for the distribution of sugar. These arrangements cannot yet be definitely stated, but steps have already been taken which it is hoped may meet the more urgent needs of certain districts where the population has increased materially since 1915. Inspectors attached to the Ministry of Food are engaged in visiting other districts, and will report as rapidly as possible on their requirements. If my hon. Friend will bring to my notice any cases of difficulty arising out of the other causes mentioned in his question, inquiry will be made.
§ Mr. PERCY HARRIS (Leicester, Harborough)Would it not be possible to transfer to some of those people some of the sugar now supplied to the brewers for brewing purposes?