§ 29. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Food if he will import Norwegian margarine or otherwise find from Norway their recipe for margarine which is more palatable than ours.
Dr. HillNo, Sir. Norwegian margarine is regularly tested here. It is not thought that the hon. Lady's preference for its distinctive flavour would be generally shared by consumers in this country.
§ Mrs. MannIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I have contacted and been at tea with all the British brides in Norway and that at that tea all of them asked why we in this country cannot have this kind of margarine, which really tastes like butter?
Dr. HillI understand—indeed, I know from personal experience—that Norwegian margarine has rather a strong, sour-milk flavour. Experience has shown that in this country the product we make at home is preferred.
§ Mr. SpeakerSir William Darling.
§ Mrs. MannOn a point of order. Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the margarine and of the Minister's reply I will raise this question on the Adjournment.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltOn a point of order. Is not it a fact that, according to your Ruling, Sir, and the Ruling of your predecessor, the previous comment by the hon. Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mrs. Mann) is not, in point of fact, a point of order?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt has become customary to indicate by these words that what is to follow is not really a supplementary question but a statement on another issue.
§ Sir W. DarlingOn a point of order. You called my name, Mr. Speaker. May I respond to it by asking a supplementary question?
§ Mr. SpeakerBefore the hon. Member could ask his question notice was given that the matter would be raised on the Adjournment.
§ 40. Mr. F. Harrisasked the Minister of Food how far the present supply position of margarine is adequate to meet demand; and if he will now de-ration this commodity.
Dr. HillAs my right hon. and gallant Friend indicated in his reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Lewes (Major Beamish) on 12th November, the probable unrationed demand for margarine could not be met without a substantial increase in imports which we can ill afford at present.
§ Mr. OsborneCan my hon. Friend say what extra raw material supplies will be required to abolish margarine rationing?