§ 24. Mr. Marplesasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that in some areas there is a shortage of chocolate and sugar confectionery which has been brought about by the two recent increases to the public; and what steps he is taking to see that the trade is properly stocked up to meet the amounts promised to the public.
§ Mr. StracheyI am informed that stocks are sufficient to meet the present sweet ration. Arrangements are available whereby extra supplies can be directed at short notice to meet any local shortage which may be reported. The additional supplies promised for Christmas are now being delivered to the shops.
§ Mr. MarplesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Merseyside area there are not sufficient sweets in the shops to meet the two-ounce allocation made by him, and that there is no prospect of the position being improved before Christmas, since manufacturers deliver only once every eight weeks?
§ Mr. StracheyI did look into the Merseyside position and I have been informed that during the past six months there have been rather more sweets in Liverpool and Birkenhead than the public have consumed.