HC Deb 27 June 1917 vol 95 cc369-70
81. Mr. BUTLER LLOYD

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the anxiety in the country districts as to whether sufficient sugar will be forthcoming for the preservation of fruit; if he realises that sugar for this purpose is needed now and in the immediate future, and that if it is not provided large quantities of most useful food will be lost to the country; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY Of LABOUR (Mr. Bridgeman)

The Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply is distributing sugar for preserving fruit to about 500,000 applicants, mostly in rural districts, who are growers of their own fruit. This sugar is now being delivered to the applicants as rapidly as possible.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many districts no sugar has arrived, and that if it does not arrive next week it will be no use for strawberries?

Mr. DEVLIN

Will he say when a representative of Ireland will be appointed?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I will inquire.

Sir C. WARNER

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us on what principle this distribution has been made, because I have a question down asking on what principle it is made, and, why certain large growers are given nothing and their applications taken no notice of?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I do not think I can anticipate the answer to that question which I have got.

Mr. SCANLAN

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire from the War Cabinet, or from someone occupying a leading position in the Government, how it is that in regard to the distribution of sugar in Ireland no arrangement satisfactory to the needs of Ireland has been made by the Government?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

The hon. Member must ask the Food Controller.

Sir S. COLLINS

Is there the same shortage for making beer?

Mr. DEVLIN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that on fifteen different occasions I was promised that a representative of Ireland would be appointed in connection with the distribution of sugar and the appointment is not made yet?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I cannot answer these supplementary questions, which are for the Food Controller. I am only answering in the absence of a representative of that Department.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

When are we going to get a representative of the Food Controller in this House?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

That question should be addressed to the Prima Minister.