§ 35. Mr. Mikardoasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that Messrs. Olivers, of 577, Basingstoke Road, Reading, are now receiving supplies of confectionery lower than those they obtained during the period of rationing; and whether he will take special steps to rectify this position.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am aware of this firm's complaint. The increased supplies of sugar and other raw materials now becoming available should enable the industry to meet local shortages without any special intervention on my part.
§ Mr. MikardoIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the natural annoyance of firms placed in a position such as this is greatly increased by the receipt of official assurances that the supplies going to wholesalers and retailers would be sufficient to cope with the effect of derationing?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAs I have often pointed out, taking the situation generally, that was true, but there were cases where temporary local shortages occurred, as, indeed, there were when rationing was in force. Until the new set-up of distribution takes place that is bound to happen.
§ Lieut-Colonel LiptonWill the Minister ask his regional food officers to publicise the fact that he would be only too glad to investigate any complaint of a shortage of confectionery or sweets that occurs in their particular regions, because people generally do not know that the Minister is willing to have these cases investigated?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe first part of my answer shows that this case has been investigated. With regard to the other part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's supplementary question, I am still waiting for customers' complaints.