HC Deb 08 March 1944 vol 397 cc2049-50
52. Sir Reģinald Clarry

asked the Minister of Food if he will state the purpose of the Emergency Powers Food (Marmalade) Order (S.R. & O., No. 174, of 1944), which prohibits the sale by retail of imported canned marmalade between 27th February and 1st April.

Colonel Llewellin

The reason for the temporary prohibition of retail sales of imported canned marmalade is to accumulate adequate supplies in the hands of retailers for orderly distribution when it becomes available on the "points ration" on 2nd April.

Mr. Thorne

The Minister ought to be congratulated on the amount of oranges and lemons we are getting.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Is the Minister aware that there are already stocks of marmalade on the shelves of retailers far in excess of what is required in the grocery trade, and will he reconsider the necessity for this Order?

Colonel Llewellin

The result of this Order is to bring imported marmalade on to points while the other marmalade remains part of the preserve ration, and it leads to what often does not happen in life, that is, people getting it both ways.

Sir R. Clarry

Why did not my right hon. and gallant Friend put in the original Regulation the reason he has given me now, and so save the trouble of putting a question down?

Colonel Llewellin

I think perhaps that some of the Orders are already long enough without putting in the reasons for them.