§ 62. Dr. Littleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, owing to the scarcity of confectionery in 521 Northern Ireland, which is proving most injurious to the interests of traders engaged Therein, he will arrange for a more liberal supply to be made available of the different sorts, and specially of sweets at a moderate price?
Major Lloyd GeorgeSupplies of ingredients to confectionery manufacturers in Northern Ireland are rationed at the same rates as in Great Britain. Manufacturers generally in Great Britain are endeavouring to distribute their reduced production equitably amongst their prewar customers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but a certain number of small confectionery manufacturers in Great Britain are finding dicffiulty under war conditions in shipping their reduced supplies to Northern Ireland, and this matter is receiving the attention of the Ministry.
§ Dr. LittleIn view of the serious shortage, would my hon. and gallant Friend sec that wholesale and retail confectioners in Northern Ireland get their proportionate share of the available material?
§ Mr. WoodsIs the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that manufacturers in their allocation to retailers are taking into account the redistribution of children throughout the country through evacuation?
Major Lloyd GeorgeWe have for some little time past been able to give manufacturers the actual figures of the redistribution of population, and now that the' have that information I expect and believe that they will allocate supplies accordingly.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that neither in evacuation areas nor reception areas is it possible to find chocolates or sweets?