HC Deb 15 December 1952 vol 509 c951
24. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Food why, during the year ended 1st November, 1952, the sugar for domestic consumption was cut by 108,000 tons, whereas the sugar for manufacturing was only cut by 40,000 tons, compared with the previous year.

Major Lloyd George

The cut of 40,000 tons of manufacturing sugar was decided upon by the late Government. In finding the further savings required to remedy the disastrous balance of payments situation bequeathed to us, I decided that least hardship would be caused to consumers generally who are also the ultimate consumers of manufacturing sugar, by the pattern of distribution adopted in 1952. That distribution, I should add, gave the domestic consumer more sugar than had been available in five out of seven years since the war.

Mr. Willey

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that both he and his Parliamentary Secretary told the House that the cuts to manufacturers would be 75,000 tons, and that it is greatly unfair to the housewife to take an additional 35,000 tons from her?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Willey

In view of the failure of the Minister to reply, I beg to give notice that I shall take the first opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.