§ Mr. CLOUGHasked the Minister of Food if, in the light of the latest information with regard to this year's crop, he can make any further statement as to the probable supply and price of sugar during the autumn?
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§ Mr. McCURDYThe unprecedented increase in the price of sugar in the world's markets, largely brought about by speculative buying in America some months ago, has since resulted in a contraction of the demand as originally estimated. To this extent, therefore, there is a slight amelioration in the general position, despite the fact that the world's supplies are still 3,500,000 tons below the pre-war production. The improvement in the position indicated is also due in considerable measure to the saving compulsorily effected by drastic rationing in this country when prices were at their highest. In the circumstances it has now been found possible to increase the ration in this country from 8 ounces to 12 ounces, but I regret that I can hold out no hope of an early reduction of price.