HC Deb 06 December 1948 vol 459 cc21-2
60. Mr. Joynson-Hicks

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the dearth of Christmas puddings in West Sussex; what arrangements he has made for distribution of the necessary ingredients between different areas of the country; and if he will ensure adequate supplies in the Chichester area in time for them to be bought before Christmas Eve.

Dr. Summerskill

My Department does not control the distribution of Christmas puddings. We have, however, asked manufacturers to hold a reserve which has now been sent to food divisions where the tonnage delivered was below the average for the rest of the country. Sussex is receiving a share of this reserve. I am afraid I cannot make arrangements for deliveries of puddings to individual towns within food divisions.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Can the hon. Lady arrange for the distribution from her reserves to arrive in Sussex in time for people to make Christmas puddings before Christmas?

Dr. Summerskill

If the hon. Gentleman is talking about ingredients, he should know that ingredients are tied to registrations.