HC Deb 26 March 1941 vol 370 cc587-8
53. Mr. Parker

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why special privileges are being given to those connected with women's institutes in the distribution of sugar for jam-making; and whether he will consider distributing it through the local food control offices, which would allow all housewives equal access to such supplies of sugar as may be available for jam-making?

Major Lloyd George

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. No special privileges are to be given to members of women's institutes in connection with the distribution of sugar for jam-making. Permits to buy sugar for fruit preserving in co-operative centres will be issued solely by the food control offices: in rural areas the work of organising and equipping the centres will be largely undertaken by women's institutes, and in urban areas the food control committees have been asked to set up garden fruit committees, who will enlist the co-operation of various voluntary organisations in operating the centres. The centres will be open to all members of the public on equal terms for preserving garden fruit. Without the help that has been generously promised in the public interest by all these voluntary societies, it would be impossible to organise so many preserving centres and there would be a danger of much fruit being wasted.

Mr. Barnes

Will the Minister explain what that reply means? Will it be open to all members of the public, and does it mean that they can take their fruit with them and manufacture their own jam?

Major Lloyd George

They do not have to be members of any organisation. It is open to anyone to go there and get their fruit made into jam.

Mr. Maxton

Can the Minister say why he singles out one particular voluntary organisation to perform this task? Is he not aware of the existence of the Women's Co-operative Guild, which should also exercise these powers?

Major Lloyd George

I can assure the hon. Member that we are not con- centrating on any organisation. The task of organising something like 4,000 centres in this country is a gigantic problem, and it happens that this particular institution has branches throughout the country. The scheme does not preclude other organisations taking part.