§ 25. Mr. MacVEAGHasked whether the amount of sugar allowed to shopkeepers in Ireland is based on the amount purchased by them in 1915; and, if so, what regulation is made in the case of shopkeepers who did not begin to trade until after 1915?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD CONTROL (Captain Bathurst)The supplies of sugar allowed to retailers in Ireland, as elsewhere, are based on their supplies in 1915. 1442 The arrangements made by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply do not admit of sugar being allotted to persons who did not begin to trade until after 1915. A person taking over the goodwill of a business which was in existence in 1915 is, however, able to draw any supplies of sugar to which the owner of the business would be entitled on the usual basis.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHDoes not that involve a great hardship in the case of those who started business after 1915?
Captain BATHURSTWith the very limited supply of sugar the Sugar Commission found it impossible to meet the case of those entirely new businesses which did not previously exist.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHBut surely it would require only a very small amendment in the Regulations? Will my hon. Friend undertake to have this matter considered immediately?
Captain BATHURSTThe matter has been very carefully considered by the Sugar Commission, in whose hands the matter rests. In every case where there is a growing population facilities have been afforded for existing establishments to obtain larger supplies of sugar than they previously had.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHThat is not my point, with all respect. Is the effect of the Regulation going to be that every man who started business after 1915 is going to be ruined?
Captain BATHURSTIt is obvious that with a limited supply of sugar an entirely new business started during the War has no special claim upon the national 'stock. Existing businesses have the claim. In the case where the goodwill is purchased the supply is given.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in munitions centres and other places where the population has enormously increased, they have refused to supply sugar to shopkeepers who established businesses after 1915?
Captain BATHURSTI am aware that in every such case where representations have been made to the Sugar Commission or the Food Controller, additional supplies have been given to those who previously sold sugar in the locality.