§ 49. Mrs. Castleasked the Minister of Food if he will take steps to ensure the adequate distribution of suet and dried fruits in all areas in good time for the making of Christmas puddings and mince meat.
§ Mr. StracheyAllocations of dried fruit for the Christmas trade in all areas were made on 13th October and 10th November and the fruit will reach the shops during the next month. All the shredded suet that can be made available will be distributed during the next few weeks, but I regret that it is very scarce.
§ Mrs. CastleIs my right hon. Friend aware that there are only five weeks to Christmas, and that housewives are very anxious to get ahead with preparations? Will he give an assurance that he will speed up the release of the suet, and take all possible steps to increase the supply of this very important supplement to the fat ration?
§ Mr. StracheyCertainly, Sir. The difficulty has been shipment from the Argentine.
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonCan we rely on that assurance from the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. StracheyI made a remark on the difficulties of shipment from the Argentine. If the right hon. Gentleman thinks that an assurance, I do not know what he means.