§ 52. Mrs. Castleasked the Minister of Food if he will give an estimate of the extent to which the quantity of biscuits manufactured in this country is likely to be reduced as a result of the cut in imports of sweetened fat.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Charles Hill)No, Sir. It is too early to judge, but I am pleased to say that manufacturers have already announced that they will make every effort so to use the reduced supplies as to have the least possible effect on total output.
§ Mrs. CastleIs it not a fact that biscuit manufacturers are very dependent on these supplies of continental sweetened fat for the output of biscuits, which were already very inadequate before the import cuts, and, therefore, as the supply of 1515 biscuits is likely to be very seriously reduced, would he agree that we ought to consider a return to some points system for a fairer distribution?
§ Dr. HillIt is obvious that a reduction in the supply of this material will have its effect, particularly on the luxury lines and novelties in the biscuit field, but my right hon. Friend is assured by the trade that they will do their utmost to minimise the effect on the output of biscuits, and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to re-introduce the points system.