§ Viscount WOLMERasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that on 23rd May last Mr. E. J. Cane, of Cane's Tea Stores, Fleet, Hampshire, ordered 3¼ tons of preserving sugar through Messrs. J. Travers and Sons, 118 Cannon Street, London, and that the first consignment received by him was on 2nd July and amounted only to 15 cwt.; and whether, in view of the shortage of sugar in the Fleet district, he can see that more consideration is shown to local retailers?
Mr. ROBERTSIn view of the fact that a full allocation of sugar has been made to the Fleet district it is probable that any temporary shortage is due to congestion on the railways, and therefore would not be relieved by a supplementary allocation.
§ Colonel ROUNDELLasked the Food Controller whether arrangements can be made to extend the supply of sugar to bee-keepers; and whether he is aware that serious loss is being incurred by bee keepers owing to the fact that the arrangement for supplying this necessary food for bees terminated on 17th May?
Sir ARTHUR BOSCAWENThe Board are not aware that any serious loss has occurred amongst established stocks of bees through lack of food The arrangement with the Ministry of Food for the supply of sugar during last winter terminated, as my hon. and gallant Friend states, on the 17th of May last, and arrangements are already in progress for a further supply for the coming winter which I hope will be sufficient for all needs.