HC Deb 25 July 1949 vol 467 cc1785-7
5. Mr. William Wells

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that many confectioners are withholding sweets from the public now in order to make large sales during the first period in respect of which rationing will apply, in the hope that they will thereby become entitled to large supplies in the second rationing period; and what steps he is taking to prevent such action from being effectual.

20. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Food what steps he is taking to secure that sweets will be available to the public during the holiday period, and that manufacturers and shopkeepers do not hoard sweets in anticipation of the reimposition of sweets rationing.

Mr. Strachey

I know that some confectioners are using part of their current supplies to rebuild their working stocks which have been reduced to a very low level. This is essential to help the reintroduction of rationing. Excessive stock-piling would involve retailers in an immediate financial loss from reduced turnover and would, at the same time, cause great dissatisfaction to their customers, so it would not be in their interests to do this.

Mr. Wells

Will the allocation in the first rationing period be based on present sales, or on sales over a longer period?

Mr. Strachey

It is somewhat complicated, but broadly it will be on the basis of sales before the lapse of the rationing.

Mr. Turton

While I gave permission for my Question to be answered at the same time as Question No. 5, the Minister has not given me any reply. Will he say what steps he is taking to secure that sweets will be available to the public during the holiday period?

Mr. Strachey

Until rationing is reintroduced on 14th August it is impossible for the Ministry to ensure a supply of sweets to any given individual.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Does the former answer mean that the amount of sweets allocated to small retailers will be decided not by the manufacturers but on the basis of the points held when rationing ceased?

Mr. Strachey

After rationing is reintroduced?

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Yes.

Mr. Strachey

Broadly that is the case.

Brigadier Head

Is the Minister aware that there are many anomalies meantime in the way the points will be allocated over the next rationing period? Will he look into these anomalies if I let him know, because there are many complaints?

Mr. Strachey

Certainly, but reintroducing rationing is a very complex business.