HC Deb 20 March 1918 vol 104 cc975-6
89. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can now make a statement with regard to the action of the Government in the case of small shopkeepers who are wholly or nearly dependent upon the sale of sweets?

Mr. CLYNES

I hope to be able to make a statement on this matter after the Recess. I can assure the hon. Member that it is not the intention of the Ministry to allow these small shopkeepers to lose their livelihood, but there are practical difficulties in the way of framing specific Regulations, and these difficulties we are endeavouring to overcome.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that while he is talking these people are losing their livelihood?

Mr. CLYNES

No; I rather think that they fear that by the threatened Regulations they will lose their livelihood.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in a case which I brought to his notice a woman and her children had to go to the workhouse because she was unable to get her living by selling sweets?

Mr. CLYNES

I know that there are cases involving very great distress, and that is being carefully considered.

Mr. BILLING

In view of the hon. Gentleman's answer to a question put by myself some five weeks ago, stating that he intended to take steps to supply these small sellers with sugar, can we not reasonably expect a statement before the Adjournment of the House on this simple matter?

Mr. CLYNES

I should require notice to know what was said on that occasion.

Sir W. PEARCE

Are any steps being taken in reference to allowing 25 per cent. of sugar for the manufacture of sweets?

Mr. CLYNES

It is not intended to make any alteration with respect to that aspect of the matter.

Colonel BURN

Is any action being taken with regard to a suggestion which has been made that sweets should be no longer sold in theatres, cinematograph balls, and music halls?

Mr. CLYNES

The question is being inquired into, but there is an aspect of it which did not occur to those who considered it in the first instance.