HC Deb 03 December 1947 vol 445 c386
55. Mr. Douglas Marshall

asked the Minister of Food what is the quantity of jam that we have purchased in Australia; and why was not sugar allocated from store to jam makers in this country in order to deal with our fruit season.

Dr. Summerskill

It is expected that imports of jam from Australia during 1947 will amount to about 10,000 tons. In reply to the second part of the Question, jam makers were given enough sugar to handle all the fruit they could obtain, and, in particular, they have been enabled to process an exceptionally heavy tonnage of plums from this season's good crops.

Mr. Marshall

As my information is contrary to that of the Minister, will the hon. Lady look into the information if send it to her?

Dr. Summerskill

Certainly, but I must remind the hon. Gentleman that we earmarked 200,000 tons of sugar for jam makers and that they have taken up only 180,000.

Mrs. Jean Mann

Would the hon. Lady point out to hon. Members opposite that the jam ration has been increased to two pounds?