§ Mr. E. Walkdenasked the Minister of Food if, in view of our changed circumstances, he can now announce any relaxation of the restrictions imposed by him on the manufacture and sale of ice cream.
§ Mr. MabaneYes, Sir. My right hon and gallant Friend has decided to allocate supplies of raw materials for the manufacture of ice cream in the next rationing period beginning 10th December. It may take some time before ice cream becomes generally available all over the country, and the difficulties in regard to man-power 2137W and transport which still exist will make it impracticable for manufacturers for the present to resume the widespread distribution which existed before the war. The prohibition Order has been revoked as from to-day. Caterers will, therefore, be in a position to provide ice cream forthwith to the extent to which they have ingredients available. The same will apply to manufacturers as soon as they can bring their plants back into use. By next summer a greatly improved distribution should be possible.