39. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether in view of the large stocks of jam which are available in every retailer's shop throughout the country, and the deterioration which is taking place, he will consider removing jam from the ration and putting it on points, or both removing it from the ration and points and allowing the public to purchase last season's jams.
§ Dr. SummerskillI would refer' the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Mr. Boardman) on 26th April. Stocks of jam in retailers' shops are in sound condition.
Mr. De la BèreIs not the hon. Lady aware that large stocks of jam are deteriorating every day, and is it not a fact that the Government are in a sticky mess over this matter? It is a case of jam yesterday, jam tomorrow, but never jam today.
§ Dr. SummerskillThere is no evidence that any jam is deteriorating in this country.
Mr. KeelinèIf I send the hon. Lady a pot of jam bought in a shop and covered with mould, will she either alter her opinion or eat the jam?
§ Dr. SummerskillI am afraid that I cannot accept rationed goods as a gift.