§ Mr. J. P. FARRELLasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, in consequence of the stoppage of sugar supplies, numerous Poor Law boards in Ireland have been unable to obtain contractors for sugar, which means that the inmates of these institutions will be deprived of a necessary and nutritious article 391W of food; and whether steps will be taken to see that a sufficient supply of sugar is imported into Ireland to meet at least the ordinary needs of the people?
§ Mr. McKENNANo case of this nature has, so far as I am aware, been brought to the attention of the Sugar Commission or of the authorities in Ireland. The institutions should apply to those who supplied them in 1915 for a proportionate supply this year, and, if their request is not complied with, should bring all the facts to the notice of the Sugar Commission. In order to avoid any misapprehension upon the point, I may say that there has been no stoppage of supplies to Ireland and that only the same restrictions exist there as are in operation throughout the country.
§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that, owing to the difficulty of getting sugar supplies, there is a regular sugar famine in many parts of Ireland, and whether steps will be taken by some Government Department to see that the people get sufficient supplies of sugar?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The same system of distribution is applicable to Ireland as to the rest of the United Kingdom, and the Sugar Commission will be glad to investigate any cases in which it can be shown that this system is not being adhered to.