HC Deb 13 December 1944 vol 406 c1231
68. Mr. J. J. Davidson

asked the Minister of Food if he will outline the procedure to be adopted regarding the release of raw material for the production of ice cream; and whether his Ministry are able and intend to stipulate the quality of production.

Colonel Llewellin

Manufacturers who were receiving allocations of controlled materials when the ban was imposed on the 1st October, 1942, were entitled to have their allowances restored as from 10th December last. In addition, skim roller powder is being allocated on the basis of fat entitlement. It is not my present intention to exercise control over the quality of production.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Minister aware that the procedure of this allocation completely rules out the small man in all parts of the country except London, and benefits only the big makers of ice cream? Is the Minister aware that he is definitely sending these small people into the black market for their milk?

Colonel Llewellin

I know there is a problem there. The first thing we did was to restore the allocations as at the date when they were cut off, and then we based this extra roller skim milk on the fat allocation. I know that, as it has turned out, it has hit some people hard and I am going into that matter. My policy will be to be as fair as I can all round.

Mr. Davidson

Is the Minister prepared to receive representations from the hard-hit people?

Colonel Llewellin

Officials of my Department are already meeting them.