§ 36. Mr. Profumoasked the Minister of Food what estimate he has of the tonnage of sugar which could be bought annually from Cuba or other sources if the importation of fondant, piping jelly and all sugar fat mixtures was completely discontinued and the annual expenditure on these substances thereby saved was used for the importation of pure sugar.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeA complete stop on imports of fondant and sugar fat mixtures from non-sterling countries would save in a year, on the basis of the value quotas fixed for the second half of 1952, enough foreign exchange to buy from Cuba a little under 100,000 tons of raw sugar at present prices.
The only import licences issued for piping jelly since the open general licence was revoked on 11th March, 1952, are those in respect of contracts outstanding at that date.
§ Mr. ProfumoIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that the figure he has just given to the House is very impressive and illuminating? Does he consider that if the action I am suggesting were taken the question of the availability of real sugar in this country would be revolutionised and would speedily lead to the de-rationing of sugar? In view of this would my right hon. and gallant Friend undertake to bring the matter to the attention of the Cabinet on the earliest occasion for their decision?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI have a good deal of sympathy with my hon. Friend on this, but he will appreciate that the open general licences granted by the last Administration have been cut by 75 per cent., and that this is the most severe cut of all. I am sure my hon. Friend will appreciate that complete prohibition would lead to difficulties of trade and other matters, but I am certainly not without sympathy with him.