§ 67. Mr. WALLACEasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the shortage of sugar for domestic purposes, he will take steps to restrict the supplies of sugar used for sweets and fancy cakes?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe amount of sugar allotted to confectioners has already been reduced by one-half. The suggestion of my hon. Friend with regard to the use of sugar for sweets and fancy cakes is one which I am already considering, with a view to limiting the use of sugar for purposes of luxury or extravagance.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill the hon. Gentleman consider the course of employment before he cuts off further supplies of sugar from the confectionery trade?
§ Mr. WALLACEWill he also consider its importance to child life?
§ Mr. McCURDYIn considering a reduction of the amount of sugar allotted to confectioners we have been very strongly influenced by the danger arising from throwing people out of employment, and by the fact that sweets of the cheaper variety are a substantial addition to the sugar ration of the juvenile population. What we propose to take steps to deal with is the use of sugar for fancy cakes and other purposes of luxury.
§ 68. Mr. ATKEYasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that March is the best month for the making of home-made marmalade; and whether he to allocate special supplies of sugar for jam making to be available during that month, either in whole or in. part, to 2014 those who desire to utilise it for the purpose of making marmalade?
§ Mr. McCURDYI am aware that marmalade is usually made at this time of year, but it has not been found possible to allocate special supplies of sugar for its domestic manufacture. The issue of sugar for domestic jam-making is intended mainly for the preservation of summer and autumn fruits grown in this country. It would not, in any case, be practicable to arrange for any appreciable increase in the supplies of sugar to be in the hands of retailers during the present month.
§ Mr. RONALD M'NEILLIn making the allowance for jam-making, will purchasers of fruit be considered as well as growers of fruit?
§ Mr. McCURDYI should like notice of that question. I think that is arranged for.