25. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether he will give particulars of the quantities of Australian plum jam that is to be allowed to be sent into this country from Dublin, to be sold off the ration; and why permission was given for this jam to be de-rationed, in view of the refusal to take off the ration last season's crop of plum jam in this country.
§ Mr. StracheyNo arrangements have been made for jam to be sent to this country from Eire for sale off the ration, 14 and I am glad to have this opportunity of emphasising that it is an offence against our rationing laws to obtain preserves from abroad, unless they are unsolicited gifts.
Mr. De la BèreCan the right hon. Gentleman explain the circular which has been distributed throughout the country quoting the Board of Trade as the authority for the importation of these jams and marmalades off the ration? The quotation is made in the circular which has been widely distributed throughout the country.
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot, of course, control the actions of Irish firms.
§ Mr. StracheyI emphasise again that to send jam in from Eire of this type for re-sale in this country is an offence.
Mr. De la BèreWill the right hon. Gentleman, anyhow, de-ration plum jam, so that the people of Evesham may be able to grow plums? What is the good of wasting all this jam?