§ Sir G. Hutchinsonasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that the recent action of his Department in adopting the period 28th January to 29th December, 1951, as the usage period for the allocation of sugar and similar scarce materials to manufacturers of chocolates and sweets is inequitable to those manufacturers who refrained from using the high priced and unallocated materials imported during that period; and whether he will now amend this scheme so that, in estimating current allocations, sweets manufactured from unallocated materials are eliminated from the usage period.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo. During the period in question imports of unallocated materials were virtually unrestricted and production with their help, which was on a large scale throught the industry, provides a suitable basis for re-allocation. These materials were used in combination with allocated materials to extend production. My hon. Friend's suggestion would therefore be impracticable as well as undesirable.