HC Deb 23 March 1953 vol 513 cc485-7
51. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Minister of Food whether he has yet replied to telegrams referred to him from wholesale sweet firms, including Wilson and Travis, of 79–81, Duke Street, Liverpool, stating that they are without stocks of sweets to supply to their retail customers; and what answer he has given to them.

52. Mr. Keenan

asked the Minister of Food what action he is taking about the shortage of sweet supplies on Merseyside following the telegrams sent to him by the honourable Member for Kirkdale.

Major Lloyd George

I do not propose to take any action. I have made inquiries into the complaints of the two wholesale firms in question and am satisfied that theirs is not typical of the general supply position on Merseyside.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that the situation regarding sweets on the wholesale side is becoming very bad indeed and that this applies not only in Liverpool, but in many parts of the country, as was revealed in the Press this week-end? In view of the fact that many wholesalers are unable to supply their retail firms, what action does he intend to take before the situation becomes desperate?

Major Lloyd George

I do not accept as accurate the statement in the Press at the week-end. It is contrary to the information I have about the whole of the country. With regard to Merseyside, the report was published on Friday that the President of the Liverpool and North Wales Wholesale Confectioners Association, who I fancy knows something about it has said that the public could be assured that, contrary to reports in the newspapers and suggestions made in Parliament, there was not at present a shortage of sweets on Merseyside.

Mr. Keenan

In accepting that statement—if we accept it—may I ask the Minister why he takes no action to prevent those who have supplies from raising their prices on the ground that there is a shortage?

Major Lloyd George

I have seen nothing to support that suggestion. On the general question of supplies, the hon. Lady and the hon. Gentleman should know that neither at the Ministry nor at any of the regional offices throughout the country has any complaint been received.

Mr. Nabarro

Is not this another Lancashire Fusiliers red herring?