SUGAR. (Hansard, 25 March 1920)

§ 73. Mr. A. SHORT
asked the Food Controller whether the price of sugar for jam-making purposes is fixed at 1s. 2d. per pound; and, if so, how does he reconcile this price with the rationed price of 10½d. per pound?

§ Mr. J. PARKER (Lord of the Treasury)
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Owing to the fact that the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply still holds certain stocks of sugar purchased at prices lower than those now ruling, it has been found possible to issue sugar for domestic consumption at 10d. per lb., a price actually much below its economic value in the markets of the world. The stocks referred to are not sufficient to permit of the taking of a similar course in the case of sugar issued for domestic preserving, which must be disposed of at its economic value and on the same basis as sugar sold for manufacturing purposes—114s. per cwt. or 1s. 2d. per lb.

§ Sir R. COOPER
Who gets the advantage of the increased profit of 3½d.—does the Government get the benefit?

§ Mr. PARKER
There is no question of the Government getting any benefit. The Government could not supply the sugar for preserving purposes at a less price, because it has not been purchased at 10d. per lb. They must sell it at 1s. 2d.

§ Mr. SWAN
Is there not an increased supply? How, then, does it come that the price has also increased?

§ Mr. PARKER
The hon. Member will find a reply to that in my answer.

§ Mr. SWAN
Does it tally; should it not be increased supply and reduced price?

§ 74. Mr. KILEY
asked the Food Controller what price the Government paid for the sugar which is now being retailed at 10d. per lb.?

§ Mr. PARKER
The sugar now being retailed at 10d. per lb. has been purchased in many different consignments at prices which have varied considerably from time to time. It is, therefore, impossible to give any exact figure in reply to this question. It may, however, be stated that in no case does the retail price of 10d. per lb., of which 2¾d. must be allowed for duty, cover the aggregate cost of purchasing, transporting, refining and distributing supplies of sugar acquired during the last six months.