§ 1. Mr. McFarlaneasked the Minister of Food what quantities of ingredients for the manufacture of soft drinks have been imported for the 12 months ended 1st July, 1948; and what amount of hard currency is involved.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Strachey)The imported ingredients used in the manufacture of soft drinks in the year ended 1st July, 1948, were 26,000 tons of sugar, 20,000 tons of fruit juices, 400 tons of citric acid, and 24 tons of essential oils. About £188,000 worth of hard currency was involved.
§ Mr. McFarlaneDoes not the Minister think it utterly indefensible that such expenditure should be encouraged for such a purpose, in view of our present necessities?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. I think this very moderate expenditure of hard currency is justified.
§ Mr. DribergIs it not a fact that even this modest expenditure of hard currency will be diminished when the new arrangements announced the other day for importing more fruit juice from the West Indies. in the sterling area, are realised?