§ 26. Mr. Harrisonasked the Minister of Food if he will ascertain fully the position of supply and demand for chocolate products before including such projects in any scheme of de-rationing, in view of the position, prior to rationing, when chocolate products were unfairly distributed to the general public.
§ Mr. StracheyI have now completed careful consultations with the sweet manufacturers particularly on the specific issue of the level at which supply and demand will balance at the slightly reduced prices for various kinds of sweets which will shortly come into force. We have all come to the conclusion that with the addition of a comparatively small amount of ingredients which can be found, it will be possible to de-ration all sweets instead of the cheaper varieties alone, as I had originally proposed. In order to meet the initial demand which will no doubt be high at the start we shall have to postpone the date of complete instead of partial de-rationing to 24th April next in order to allow the manufacturers to build up their stocks. Until that date the ration will remain at its present level of four ounces per week and will be fully enforced.
The industry have given an assurance that the pattern of distribution will remain substantially as at present, so there is no reason to believe that chocolate products will be unfairly distributed. The full de-rationing of sweets will mean a saving of 1,100 staff to the trade and 400 to the Ministry.
§ Mr. HarrisonIs the Minister aware of the widespread satisfaction with which his announcement will be received throughout the country?