§ 43. Mr. Manderasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he will state the position with regard to the carriage by rail from London to the provinces of large supplies of ice cream; and whether he is satisfied that this is the best way of using the transport available?
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)My Noble Friend the Minister of Food has already restricted the production of ice cream, and, at his instance, the principal manufacturers have arranged, or are arranging, to make and distribute ice cream at central points in all the principal regions. As most of the ice cream used to be made in London, this has already eliminated a great part of the long distance haulage to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Mr. ManderIs my hon. Friend aware that a certain number of railwaymen in my constituency were rather concerned at seeing this class of traffic and that the information which he has given will be of value and interest to them?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerYes, Sir. Although the arrangements for the Midlands are not yet complete I hope everything will soon be arranged.
§ Sir Stanley ReedCan the hon. Gentleman tell the House whether there is any cream in this ice cream?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThat is a question for the Ministry of Food.