HC Deb 01 December 1943 vol 395 cc363-4
61. Dr. Little

asked the Minister of Food whether the quota of confectionery and chocolate per week to which Northern Ireland is entitled is being supplied; and whether it has been provided in full during any rationing period?

Mr. Mabane

I have no evidence of any failure to meet personal points coupons in Northern Ireland.

Dr. Little

Is the Minister aware that I have heard to the contrary? Is Northern Ireland receiving the same amount of confectionery and chocolate proportionately to population as other parts of the United Kingdoms, and has Northern Ireland received its quota of 1¼ tons per week during any rationing period?

Mr. Mabane

Northern Ireland receives its supplies of sugar confectionery in accordance with the personal points presented. There has been no failure.

62. Dr. Little

asked the Minister of Food whether, in order to obviate transport difficulties and overcome shortage of labour, he will transfer a largely increased quantity of sugar and other raw materials to manufacturers of confectionery in Northern Ireland where the required labour is obtainable and machinery available for producing a much larger output of confectionery?

Mr. Mabane

I am informed that the spare production capacity in Northern Ireland in this industry is relatively small, and that the savings in labour and transport which would result from transferring production from Great Britain to Northern Ireland would also be small. The wartime associations in this industry have, however, arrangements for the transfer of production from one manufacturer to another in suitable cases on standard terms, and manufacturers in Northern Ireland desiring to use capacity not at present in use should get into touch with the association.

Dr. Little

Is not the Minister aware of the great advantage that would accrue if we had more confectionery manufactured in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Mabane

I have told the manufacturers to get on with it.