§ Sir T. ESMONDEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that on the outbreak of the War in 1914 the Enniscorthy Asylum Committee reduced the sugar allowance to their attendants and patients by one-third; that during 1915 and 1916 the amount actually consumed was only about half a pound per head per week, or one-third less per head than the three-quarters of a pound per head allowed by the Food Controller; and that the committee of the asylum is now informed that they will only be allowed to draw 50 per cent, of the amount consumed in 1915, or, in other words, one-fifth of a pound of sugar per head per week instead of three-quarters of a pound sanctioned by the Food Controller for the outside public; whether, in view of the injustice of the proposed arrangement, the Enniscorthy Asylum Committee will be authorised to draw sugar at the rate of half a pound per head per week for their patients and attendants; and if a notification to this effect will be sent to them forthwith?
2066W
Captain BATHURSTThe Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply addressed a letter to the medical superintendent of the Enniscorthy Asylum on 20th February, intimating that arrangements had been made to increase the allowance of sugar to the asylum to the amount of ½ lb. per head, suggested by the hon. Member. In these circumstances, the-other points mentioned in the question do not arise.
§ Mr. FIELDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Irish party passed a resolution requesting the appointment of a sugar commission for Ireland; whether the Report has been received; and what is the intention of the Government?
Captain BATHURSTThe Food Controller has no knowledge of the Resolution referred to. He has already been in consultation with the Chief Secretary for Ireland as to the practicability of establishing some local organisation to assist sugar distribution in Ireland.