HC Deb 06 March 1940 vol 358 c382
59. Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Minister of Food the reasons which led him to allocate to brewers for the current month 100 per cent. of their requirements of sugar but only 40 per cent. to the manufacturers of mineral waters and only 50 per cent. to the manufacturers of invalid and infant foods?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

The maintenance during the current month of supplies of sugar to brewers at 100 per cent. of pre-war usage was a temporary measure pending the settlement of technical details, and they will in future be restricted to 70 per cent.

Mr. Hall

Will the manufacturers of invalid foods also get the same proportion?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir. In the case of the foods to which the hon. Member refers, it is considered that there are alternative sweetening substitutes which they can get, and in order to make the best use of the sugar which is available for manufacturing purposes, a different proportion of sugar is given to different manufacturers.

Mr. Hall

Is that not in effect giving to the brewers what you will not give to the producers of these invalid foods?

Mr. Morrison

It is not that. Each trade requires sugar in a different proportion. Some trades can use saccharine and other substances for sweetening purposes more than brewers, but each case has to be considered on its merit.

Mr. Liddall

Is it not the fact that while bread is the staff of life beer is the real life itself?