HC Deb 28 June 1944 vol 401 cc717-8
47. Sir George Broadbridge

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the Soft Drinks Industries (War Time) Association, Limited, have issued an order to their members prohibiting the use of ordinary corks for squashes, alleging that ordinary corks are not satisfactory as a re-closure, although they have been used for soft drinks for over a century; that many of their members object to this prohibition, which is a violation of a Statutory Order (British Standards Institution Schedule 1048, 1942, Table 23) which permits the use of screw cap, stoppers and ordinary corks; and if he will take steps for the removal of this embargo on ordinary corks.

The Minister of Food (Colonel Llewellin)

I am aware that the Soft Drinks Industry (War Time) Association have instructed their members not to use plain driven corks without tops in packing squashes for the Association. This action is not a contravention of the containers and packaging Order, number 404 of 1944, and I see no reason to intervene.

Sir G. Broadbridge

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is an ample stock of ordinary corks in this country for the use of the soft drinks industry; and is he also aware that other forms of stoppers take up valuable shipping space, and that, as they cost three times as much as ordinary corks, the loss to the Treasury on foreign exchange is considerable?

Colonel Llewellin

As a matter of fact, corks are not the best kind of stoppers to keep these drinks in good condition.

51. Dr. Little

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the increasing demand, he will authorise a larger supply of soft drinks to be manufactured in order that no one may be driven to partake of alcoholic liquor through the shortage of non-alcoholic beverages.

Colonel Llewellin

No, Sir. I regret that the labour and raw materials available do not at present permit an increase in production.

Dr. Little

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend keep in the forefront of his mind the necessity of providing a sufficient supply of these drinks to meet the demand?

Colonel Llewellin

The output is being kept up and is now equal to what it was in 1940.

Mr. Mathers

Is the improvement of the quality also being considered?

Colonel Llewellin

I think the quality of these drinks is very good.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that many of these soft drinks drive drinkers to alcohol?