§ 58. Mr. Granville Sharpasked the Minister of Food whether he will now make a statement about future arrangements for the supply of boiled sweets and whether he will remove the apprehensions of many small retailers that their supplies will be cut down substantially in order to permit increased allocations to canteens and large stores.
§ Dr. SummerskillI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend on Monday, 13th December, to the hon. Members for Leicester, South (Mr. Bowden), and Hornsey (Mr. Gammans). We shall take all possible steps, in consultation with the trade, to ensure an equitable distribution of the de-rationed sweets.
§ Mr. SharpIs my hon. Friend aware that at least one retailer in my constituency has been advised by his suppliers that in future for every 10 bottles of boiled sweets, he will only receive one bottle? Can she give an assurance that no such arrangement will be approved by the Department?
§ Dr. SummerskillI can assure my hon. Friend that we have no knowledge of any such arrangement, because we are still discussing the matter with the trade.
§ Mr. Peter FreemanIs there any preferential treatment for children?
§ Dr. SummerskillMost of the decontrolled brands will be under 2s. a pound, so the children will probably have them.