61. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that a quantity of manufactured suet is deteriorating in many parts of the country through lack of demand owing to the unwillingness of the public to sacrifice their fat ration for the suet, he will now consider transferring manufactured suet on to points to assist the housewife.
§ Sir B. SmithI am advised that, provided care is exercised in storage, there is no immediate danger of stocks of shredded suet deteriorating. The position is being carefully watched, and should it be found necessary to modify existing policy, consideration will be given to the hon. Member's suggestion.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Minister aware that notwithstanding that in many parts of the country manufacturers' stocks are deteriorating, and is it not possible to do something to help the housewife?
§ Sir B. SmithI read the Press very sedulously and I discover that the Press is saying these things, but my own personal investigations are such as to deny that.
Mr. De la BèreWill the Minister carry out his investigations further, because the housewife is suffering?
Mrs. ManningIs my right hon. Friend the Minister aware that the real truth of this matter is that housewives could give up the fat ration for suet if they knew where suet is to be obtained?
§ Sir B. SmithI think, by challenging my memory, the total supply of shredded suet is now 1,000 tons per month which is sufficient for about a quarter of an ounce per head per week for the whole population.