HC Deb 04 February 1954 vol 523 cc540-1
23. Sir H. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade the main classes of cocoa preparation, the importation of which from the Irish Republic increased in value from £4,378,000 in 1951 to £15,986,000 in 1953.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

Most of the increase in the value of imports of cocoa preparations from the Irish Republic between 1951 and 1953 was in imports of milk crumb and chocolate couverture.

Sir H. Williams

Can my right hon. Friend explain why there has been this fantastic rate of increase over a short period?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think it was connected with sugar rationing. The abolition of sugar rationing will no doubt get rid of this type of trade.