§ 39. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Food by how much the sweets ration for Christmas, 1952, is expected to exceed that of Christmas, 1951.
Dr. HillA cut in manufacturers' sugar allocations made shortly before we took office made inevitable an early reduction of the sweets ration. We kept a 6½ oz. ration over Christmas till 30th December, 1951, but since then it has had to remain at 6 oz., the level in the current period.
§ Mr. LewisCan the Parliamentary Secretary recollect making a statement in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) on 17th November, in which he said that the Christmas ration of sweets will be higher this Christmas than last year; and, in view of his later information, will he now take the opportunity to correct his former statement?
Dr. HillIf I positively prophesied an increase in the sweets ration before Christmas of this year, it was certainly an inaccurate statement.
§ Mr. WilleyIn view of the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary, at the same time, made an equally misleading statement about sugar, I beg to give notice that, at the earliest possible opportunity, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.