HC Deb 19 April 1948 vol 449 cc1417-8
17. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Minister of Food whether he will now consider abandoning sugar rationing.

Mr. Strachey

Unfortunately the supplies which we can afford to buy are not nearly enough to enable us to do that.

Colonel Hutchison

Will the Minister examine what happened in Switzerland, where, as a result of the abandonment of sugar rationing, consumption has, in fact, gone down? Would not that apply to this country?

Mr. Strachey

I am afraid not. It would only apply if the price was sharply increased.

Mr. Turton

Does the Minister maintain that we have failed to buy Empire sugar production?

Mr. Strachey

No, we have bought every ton of sterling sugar that we can possibly buy, and a good deal of dollar sugar as well.

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