§ 49. Sir CLEMENT KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that hardship is entailed upon widows endeavouring to make a living and bring up a family by the sale of sweets in small shops; that a statement that a further reduction of the supply of sugar is pending causes them to entertain fear as to the possibility of continuing to keep themselves and their children out of the workhouse; and can he see his way to do something to alleviate their position?
§ 54. Sir J. D. REESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether further restrictions are contemplated upon the use of sugar for manufacturing purposes; whether he is aware that the present allowance of 25 per cent. of the 1915 supply is wholly insufficient for manufacturers and wholesale and retail confectioners, whom a further reduction must most disastrously affect; and whether he can make any announcement as to the position and its exigencies?
§ Mr. CLYNESAs I informed the hon. Member for Oldham yesterday, no further restr ction upon the use of sugar for manufacturing purposes is at present contemplated. In view of war conditions it is impossible to increase the existing allowance, but it is recognised that if further restrictions become necessary they will seriously affect those engaged in the confectionery trade.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the hon. Gentleman aware that it will not only seriously affect them, but their very existence is at stake by the reduction of the present allowance?
Mr. CLINESI quite agree, and therefore my reply says it is not at present contemplated to reduce it.
§ 70. Mr. FIELDasked the President of the Board of Trade the average sum per annum paid for imported sugar during the five years previous to the declaration of war?
Sir A. STANLEYDuring the five years 1909–1913 the declared value of the sugar imported into the -United Kingdom amounted on the average to £24,209,845 yearly.
§ Mr. FIELDWill the right hon. Gentleman use his great influence to have sugar beet growing and manufacture encouraged in the United Kingdom?