HC Deb 24 April 1940 vol 360 c224W
Sir R. Clarry

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the reasons for a shortage in retail shops of edible olive oil; and whether he will consider steps for increasing the quantity of available supplies of this essential and valuable food product?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Edible olive oil has been in short supply for somt months and it has been necessary to reserve all imports to meet medicinal requirements. The position has now improved and supplies are being distributed to grocers. In addition, groundnut oil, which is a suitable substitute for olive oil for culinary purposes, is being allocated to them.