§ 73. Sir C. HENRYasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the difficulty, since the price has been controlled, for retailers to obtain a supply of golden syrup; whether there are fair stocks of this article; and, if so, whether he will arrange, in consideration of the supply of jam being restricted, that a greater quantity of golden syrup shall be made available?
§ Mr. CLYNESI am aware that retailers find difficulty in obtaining as large supplies of golden syrup as they would be glad to have, but this is due not to the fact that it is controlled but to the abnormal demand for syrup consequent upon the restricted supplies of sugar and jam. The only effect of control was to reduce the extravagant prices which this abnormal demand had produced. Stocks of syrup are negligible. Every effort is being made to improve the supply, which is dependent upon the amount of tonnage available.
Mr. HARRISWould the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the advisability of rationing syrup, as it is a very good substitute for sugar?
§ Mr. CLYNESIn connection with our consideration of the system of rationing jam that has been taken into account.