§ 87. Mr. SAMUEL SAMUELasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that at an auction held in Dublin on the 13th November by Andrew J. Keogh, at 10, Lower Ormonde Quay, a large quantity of sugar was offered for sale; will he say why extra quantities of this article were allowed to Ireland above the requirements whilst there was no such shortage in this country; and will he see in future that excessive quantities are not given to any particular district?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. No extra quantity of sugar is allowed to Ireland over and above the quantity permitted under the existing arrangements for distribution, which for all parts of the United Kingdom is on a basis proportionate to 1915 supplies.
§ 88. Mr. KINGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will explain the practical effect of the new Regulations for sugar rations; whether the actual method by which it is to be distributed is in all cases with cards having coupons attached; and whether this new departure is due to the knowledge that the coupon system of rationing has been worked in Germany for over two and a half years?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe coupon system is being instituted to provide for occasional removals and for persons frequently moving from place to place, and therefore only applies to a small proportion of the population. It has been adopted in view of its special convenience for the class of persons in question.