HC Deb 27 July 1949 vol 467 c2473
51. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Food whether on the resumption of sweets rationing, credit will be allowed to retailers for points lodged at food offices when rationing ceased.

Dr. Summerskill

By agreement with the trade, credit will be based on the coupons lodged at food offices during the eight weeks ended 26th March.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Does the reply of my right hon. Friend—which will be greatly welcomed by small retailers—mean that the mis-allocation of supplies while derationing was in force will not penalise the small traders for months afterwards because the larger shopkeepers are holding back mis-allocated supplies with a view to obtaining coupons or points in the first rationing period?

Dr. Summerskill

No, I think the trade agrees that they will be treated fairly. The credit will be based on the credit which traders had during the two periods preceding the period at the end of which derationing took place, plus 50 per cent. of that credit. This will enable them to build up their stocks.