§ 74. Mr. W. SHAWasked the Food Controller if he is aware that, notwithstanding the discontent owing to the proposed small allowance of sugar for preserving purposes, a good deal of free sugar is being sold to those who can afford to buy considerable quantities at a time. and will he take steps to see that the sugar available is fairly distributed; is he aware that wholesale firms are offering to sell free sugar indiscriminately to the general public, while registered retailers are not allowed to do so; and will he take steps to prevent this preference to wholesalers continuing?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe regulations concerning the sale of "free" 1676 sugar permit of such sales for the purposes of a wholesale or manufacturing business only. Any wholesale firm offering to sell such sugar indiscriminately to the general public is liable to prosecution.
The quantity of "free" sugar in the hands of traders is limited, and is continually diminishing in amount. In view of the machinery and expense which would be involved, control and distribution under the rationing scheme would not be warranted.