32. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether, having regard to the 894 substantial stocks of marmalade available in this country and the adequate supplies of both sugar and oranges for future manufacture, he will consider taking imported canned marmalade off points altogether.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir. While my right hon Friend has reduced the points value, this marmalade, which is mostly grapefruit, must be retained on the points ration to ensure fair distribution.
Mr. De la BèreHow much longer are we to go on with these unnecessary scarcities, which are really created to a large extent by the Government? Is not the hon. Lady aware that, in the case of sweets which was raised here, her Department had to give way at the end? I was right then and I am right now.
§ Dr. SummerskillI think that probably the hon. Gentleman does not know that we have reduced the points value of this marmalade from 12 to six points for 2 lb. and that since then stocks have been reduced appreciably.