36. Mr. Driberģasked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the general shortage of custard powder in the shops at Braintree, Essex; and if he will take steps to remedy this shortage
§ The Minister of Food (Sir Benjamin Smith)With regard to the first part of the Question the shortage of custard powder is not confined to Braintree but is a general shortage throughout the country. With regard to the second part of the Question there is at present a serious shortage of starch and I am unable to release extra quantities for the manufacture of custard powder, of which it is the chief ingredient. I am, however, making inquiries to see whether Braintree is receiving its fair share of total supplies of custard powder.