§ Mr. NEEDHAMasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that his Department has commandeered for making margarine quantities of fats which were intended for the manufacture of prepared suets; whether he is aware that this change of use does not increase the supply of foodstuffs in any way, while it diminishes the supply of prepared suets which, not requiring oil or milk for their preparation, are essential as foodstuffs; and Whether he 996W will reconsider the position so that the manufacture of prepared suet can be continued in order that the supply may be maintained to hospitals, canteens. etc., as well as for domestic consumption?
Mr. PARKERThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In view of the decreased importation of margarine, and of the greatly increased demand for this commodity, it has been found necessary to increase as far as possible the output in this country. When the necessary allocations for this purpose and for the fried-fish industry have been made, the claims of manufacturers of prepared suets will receive consideration.