59. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food to what extent the export target which has been set to the chocolate manufacturing industry for 1948 is in excess of the exports of the industry in any year prior to 1939.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe export target for chocolate and sugar confectionery for 1948 exceeds the exports of the industry in the year 1938 by, approximately, 4,300 tons. No separate target has been fixed for the export of chocolate alone.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Minister aware that chocolate is a very nourishing food, not merely for children, but for adults as well, and can she give any reason why we should export from this country, when we are short of food, something which is really needed by the whole population? It seems fantastic.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe hon. Gentleman is probably not aware that the exports of chocolate and sugar confectionery correspond to a quarter of an ounce of the weekly ration of the population, and, furthermore, that, in return for this, we get foreign currency which we can translate into animal feedingstuffs, meat and dairy products.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Minister aware that it is really quite fantastic not to do what I am asking? Why send out of the country food which is wanted here? I shall raise the matter over and over again on the Adjournment.
§ Dr. SummerskillMay I refer the hon Gentleman to the statement made on this subject to the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) on 14th July?