HC Deb 30 April 1941 vol 371 cc435-6
52. Mr. Denville

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the supply of barley sugar, toffee and other nourishing sweets, the consumers of which are usually young people and children, has been so reduced that in many cases supplies- are practically unobtainable, and are estimated for April and May at 40 per cent, of pre-war, out of which military and industrial canteens have first of all to be supplied; and whether he will undertake to increase supplies in a way that will ensure a fairer distribution?

Major Lloyd George

My Noble Friend is fully alive to the necessity, particularly in the interest of young people and children, for maintaining the supply of sweets at the highest possible level; this, however, is chiefly dependent on the amount of sugar that can be allocated for the manufacture of such goods. Whilst it is impossible at present to increase the amount of sugar allocated, my Noble Friend is nevertheless taking steps to see that the amount of sugar confectionery available is fairly distributed throughout the country. Consultation with the industry with regard to this problem of distribution is now proceeding. The proportion of sugar confectionery as distinct from chocolate goods, which is supplied to military and industrial canteens, is quite small.

Mr. Denville

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that at Newcastle, for instance, children are wandering around with pennies in their hands unable to buy sweets of any description?

Major Lloyd George

I am sure that that is not confined to Newcastle. I would point out once again that the real trouble is that supplies are very short; and when we have examined complaints we have found that the trouble is not confined to one place, but that the particular place, considering the shortage, has a fair allocation.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is not the effect of reducing the amount of sweets consumption extremely good for the children's health?

Mr. G. Strauss

Would it be possible to take steps to see that special supplies of sweets go to towns which are particularly liable to be blitzed?

Major Lloyd George

That is one of the difficulties. When we ask manufacturers to divert supplies, we have always to bear in mind that they cannot do it in exact proportion, because you must leave some for areas which are liable to be bombed.