HC Deb 17 January 1918 vol 101 cc471-2
67. Mr. PETO

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is intended to make no issue of sugar to private fruit growers this year to enable them to use their fruit for jam, even if conditions were imposed that the whole or an agreed proportion of the product was put on the market for distribution; if so, how it is proposed to avoid the waste of fruit grown in cottage and small house gardens and the waste of transportation in sending fruit grown in larger quantities to jam factories; and whether the proprietors of jam factories are to have a monopoly of the use of sugar for jam making?

Mr. CLYNES

In view of the actual and prospective supplies of sugar, it is impossible at the present time to promise any special issue of sugar to private fruit growers. Arrangements are being made, in co-operation with the Food Production Department, to prevent waste of fruit and to provide for the collection of fruit grown by cottages and other small growers, and for its transmission to pulping stations for conversion into pulp, which can be used for the manufacture of jam. These pulping stations will be situated in places conveniently near to the principal fruit-growing districts.

Mr. PETO

Is it the fact that the suggestion in the question is correct, that sugar for jam making will be issued to jam makers and to no one else, thereby giving them the position of monopolists in jam?

Mr. CLYNES

No; I am unable at present to give an assurance that additional supplies of sugar for jam making can be allowed—that will depend upon the situation later.

Mr. PETO

How does the hon. Gentleman propose to deal with the query in that part of the question as to the waste in transportation, which is already overtaxed, in collecting fruit from cottage gardens and sending it to some centre?

Mr. CLYNES

That is dealt with in that part of my reply which states "to provide for the collection of fruit grown by cottagers….. and its transmission to pulping stations …. conveniently near…."

Sir W. ESSEX

What about places which are not conveniently near fruit-growing districts?

Mr. CLYNES

We shall do our best for them.