85. Mr. PALMERasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that, owing to the fact that the rationing of sugar for preserving was announced before the decision as to price was arrived at, many poor persons in country districts now find themselves unable to purchase the sugar for which they have given orders to the retailer; and whether, in view of the dis- 575 satisfaction which has been aroused, he can see his way to make some concession in the interest of the smaller fruit growers?
§ Mr. McCURDYWhen the announcement was originally made that a certain quantity of sugar would be set aside for domestic preserving, I much regret that it was not possible, owing to fluctuations in the world's sugar markets, to state the price which would be charged for sugar set aside for this purpose. Nor would it be possible to allow of any reduction being made in the price, which is already much below the cost at which sugar can be purchased to-day. I have no doubt, however, that there will be no difficulty, owing to the demand for sugar for domestic preserving being greatly in excess of the supply, in disposing of such quantities of sugar as cannot be taken up by those who originally applied for it. As the quantity of sugar which can be allotted is in the great majority of cases considerably less than the quantity applied for, it seems unlikely that many applicants will find themselves unable to purchase the smaller quantity.
§ 86. Mr. JAMES BROWNasked the Minister of Food what is the amount of sugar allowed to jam manufacturers for 1920–21; and what were the amounts given last year?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe quantity of sugar issued to jam manufacturers during 1919 was 200,500 tons. It is proposed, if circumstances permit, to allocate during 1920 112,500 tons.