§ 12. Mr. Norman Doddsasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that the recent cuts in the allocation of sugar, fats and dried fruits to bakeries have reduced supplies below the lowest level imposed during the war; and what hope he can give of an improvement in the near future.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe overriding need to redress our balance of payments has brought these allocations to a much lower level than we like to see, though they are not all below the lowest wartime level. I will be able to raise these allocations only when we can afford to buy more of these materials.
§ Mr. DoddsIs not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware of the public statements made recently by leaders of the trade that when the cuts come into force—and it will not be long now—there will be less biscuits and cakes than during the war? Does the Minister really think he is playing fair with the housewives who expected a very much better performance than this?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am surprised to hear what the hon. Gentleman says about the housewife and the better performance after the last six years.
§ Mr. DoddsDid not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's party promise the housewives a better deal, and are they not to get it?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeWe certainly promised it to them, and we will give it to them.