§ Colonel STIRLINGasked (1) whether, in the event of sugar for the manufacture of 1304W jam not being available, the Government will make any arrangements with jam manufacturers to pulp the whole of the home-grown fruit pending the arrival of sugar; and, if so, what arrangments; and (2) whether any further guarantee can be given that jam manufacturers will be supplied with the same quantities of sugar as in 1916?
Captain BATHURSTAn assurance has already been given by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply to jam manufacturers that, so far as circumstances allow, the same arrangements will be made as last year for the preservation of home-grown fruit. I am not in a position to add anything to this assurance. It is not necessary to add anything to this assurance. It is not necessary to anticipate a failure of supply, but the suggestion made by my hon. Friend will be borne in mind.
§ Mr. BYRNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will make some arrangement that will enable shopkeepers who started business in 1916 to obtain a supply of sugar?
Captain BATHURSTAs I have stated in reply to previous questions, the arrangements made by the Sugar Commission do not, at present, admit of the supply of sugar in such cases. The Food Controller is not prepared to make any statement on the subject pending the consideration of the whole question of sugar distribution by the Departmental Committee which is now sitting.