34. Mr. Vaneasked the Minister of Food what estimate he has made of the additional foreign exchange involved in making sweet coupons for July, August and September valid for 1 lb. of sugar per month instead of sweets, to meet the urgent need of those wishing to make jam.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAbout 7 million dollars. My hon. Friend will recollect that arrangements have already been made for a bonus of 1 lb. this month.
Mr. VaneIn view of the great advantages not only to those who want to make more jam but also to the growers who are somewhat anxious about the disposal of a very heavy fruit crop, cannot my right hon. and gallant Friend take some emergency action to obtain more sugar even if it has to be done at the expense of such things as films and tobacco later in the year?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI would, of course, do anything I could to improve the position, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that the question which he has raised goes far beyond my Department. It is a far wider subject altogether.
Mr. VaneWill my right hon. and gallant Friend consult his right hon. Friends to see whether the suggestion is practicable?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeMy hon. Friend's suggestion is not at all an easy one. It would he extremely difficult because we should have to provide stocks not only to meet the sweet ration but also to meet the needs of those who wish to exchange their rations for sugar, and that would inevitably lead to a large expenditure. However, I am anxious to do anything I can to assist in this difficult matter.