39. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the improved sources of supply of sugar throughout the world, he will consider taking sugar off the ration altogether, especially having regard to the shortages of meat and bacon from the present ration.
§ Dr. SummerskillMy right hon. Friend would be delighted to do this if we had enough sugar.
Mr. De la BèreIs not the Minister aware that there is no shortage of sugar throughout the world; if the Dutch people can have sugar off the ration, although they have to spend hard currency the same as ourselves, why cannot we in this country have it off the ration? Are we never to have anything sweet from this Government?
§ Mr. George WardIs the right hon. Lady aware that there is really no difference in taste between sugar and saccharin?
§ 42. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Food if he will authorise an allowance of sugar for tea to editorial and office workers when they are working on their newspapers.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir, not until sugar for tea can he made available to all workers, and we cannot do that at present.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the right hon. Lady not aware that sugar is already provided, quite properly, to the mechanical side of newspaper staffs; and as the amount involved is very small cannot she go the whole way and give it to everybody?
§ Dr. SummerskillI do not think the hon. Member has realised that the energy output factor enters into this. If newspaper office workers are to have it I see no reason why civil servants should not have it. At the moment there is not enough sugar for everybody.
§ Squadron-Leader FlemingIs it not a fact that any newspaper office, or any other type of office, which runs a canteen is entitled to sugar for tea?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf a canteen is run. certainly.
§ Mr. LipsonIn her original reply was the right hon. Lady suggesting that inadequate energy is used on editorial staffs in newspaper offices?
§ Dr. SummerskillIt is mental energy as opposed to physical energy.