Sugar (Hansard, 27 November 1950)

§ 5. Mr. Heathcoat Amory
asked the Minister of Food what are the obstacles now standing in the way of the de-rationing of sugar.

§ 21. Brigadier Medlicott
asked the Minister of Food the reasons why sugar is not yet de-rationed.

§ Mr. F. Willey
Although production of sugar in the Commonwealth seems likely to increase next year our present supplies both from home and overseas are still not enough for our needs. Of course, we should like to end rationing but to do so with safety we must have over a million tons more of foreign sugar.

Mr. Amory
Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Government are at present buying the sugar available in the West Indies?

§ Mr. Willey
Yes, Sir. We are buying all Commonwealth sugar.

§ Sir Waldron Smithers
Does the Minister realise that whatever difficulties may arise in connection with the removal of controls, they are as nothing compared with the complete disaster which will ensue if they are not removed? Answer that one.

10. Brigadier Clarke
asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of a surplus of beet sugar in France this season; and what steps he has taken to procure it for this country.

§ Mr. F. Willey
My Department is in close touch with all sections of the sugar market, and if there are opportunities of buying French sugar on competitive terms we shall consider them.

Brigadier Clarke
Does the Minister realise that the French are turning their surplus sugar into petrol, and that if he made some advances in this direction we might be able to get some of their sugar into this country?

§ 23. Mr. Turton
asked the Minister of Food the amount of the decrease in the allocation of sugar to manufacturing confectioners over the next 12 months, effected by the cut he has imposed from 8th October, 1950.

§ Mr. F. Willey
The allocation of sugar to the industry will be reduced by 10,000 tons. This decrease will be partly offset by sugar contained in sweetened condensed milk, and by additional glucose.

§ Mr. Turton
Does that mean that the Christmas extra ration has come from children's sweets and the marmalade sugar?

§ Mr. Willey
No, Sir, it does not mean anything of the sort.