§ Mr. ANDERSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the fact that the use of drugged candy is affecting adversely the beekeeping industry and the production of honey; whether he will arrange for beekeepers to have the necessary supplies of sugar without deleterious drugs and without manipulation by any monopolist firm; and whether he can give the name of the expert or experts who are responsible for recommending the present arrangement?
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§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. I have previously stated that the object of medicating the candy with a disinfectant is to prevent its use for other than agricultural purposes. The arrangement was made by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply in conjunction with the Board of Agriculture.
§ Sir J. BARRANasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether a further restriction is contemplated of the sugar allowed to makers of confectionery; whether he is aware that the restrictions already imposed have brought many retailers of sweetmeats, whose business consists chiefly or entirely of such sweetmeats, near to the verge of ruin; and whether he will consider, if further restrictions should be inevitable, some plan whereby such retailers shall be differently treated from others whose sweetmeat business is only a small part of their general trade?
§ Mr. CLYNESI stated last week that no further restriction was at present contemplated. If further restrictions should be found necessary, the point raised by the hon. Baronet will he borne in mind.