HC Deb 20 October 1952 vol 505 cc683-4
25. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Minister of Food if he can now give a forecast of the date when sweets will be de-rationed.

Major Lloyd George

No, Sir, but I shall de-ration as soon as circumstances permit.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is not the consumption of sweets artificially inflated to some extent by the fact that many people, of whom I confess I am one, purchase the maximum that is available so as not to lose part of the ration? Without the ration, might it not be that the normal demand could be met from the normal sources of supply?

Major Lloyd George

That may well be, but when the amount going into the shops is not quite the amount of the ration that is a risk one cannot take. The fact is that the cuts on imported materials brought into effect last year are only now beginning to have their full effect.