§ 42. Mr. Thorneasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the increase in the price of sugar during the week ending 1st July, due to a shortage of sugar; that more sugar is required now to meet the demands of canners and jam makers; why the Sugar Council will not allow more sugar to be exported from Cuba; and what action he intends taking about the matter?
§ Mr. StanleyI am aware that, in spite of the additional releases made by the International Sugar Council in May and June, there appears to be some shortage of sugar for arrival in the next two months and that this has caused an increase of price during the last two weeks. I understand that it has not yet been definitely ascertained whether the Soviet Union will ship their share, namely, 66,000 tons, of the additional releases, but urgent inquiry is being made. Should this quantity be surrendered it will become available to other suppliers. I am considering the whole position in consultation with the chairman of the International Sugar Council.