§ 70. Mr. Wardasked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking to increase the supply of biscuits for private consumption.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend has found it possible to authorise a small but useful increase in sugar allocations to 898 manufacturers, and to allow them to use more flour on current licences to help the Christmas trade. He is also investigating the possibilities of importing biscuits to help in meeting the consumer demand. I am afraid it will not be possible to secure any large scale increase in home production until larger supplies of ingredients are forthcoming.
§ Mr. WardWill the hon. Lady look into the proportion of biscuits allocated to Service canteens, as against the proportion allocated to shops, because I can assure her that supplies of biscuits for Service canteens are unlimited while the housewife has often to go without?
§ Dr. SummerskillWe try to maintain a fair balance, but I will look into the matter.