§ Mr. MYERSasked the Minister of Food if sugar is now being sold in America at 6d. per lb. in the ordinary avenues of retail trade, and no restrictions as to quantity are in operation; why prices remain at such a high level with restricted 1773W supplies in this country; and whether he can hold out any hope that in the immediate future more abundant supplies at a reasonable price are likely to be available?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The latest advices from New York are to the effect that the refiners' selling prices are 12 cents per pound, which at the present rate of exchange is equivalent to 8¼d. per lb. To this costs of transport, duty and distribution would have to be added to arrive at a figure comparable with retail prices ruling there. As regards the remaining parts of the question, it has been repeatedly announced that the price of sugar in this country is fixed every four weeks at a level corresponding with the prices ruling in the world's markets, and there is no intention at present of abandoning this principle. The hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that, apart from the present emergency measures, there is any longer a severe restriction of consumption in this country. For some weeks prior to the present emergency the sale of all coloured sugars was free from any quantitative restriction, and it is intended to revert to this arrangement so soon as the emergency is over.