§ Mr. STRAUSSasked the Food Controller if he has received any protests against the allocation of sugar to manufacturers of sugar confectionery and chocolate; if all the sugar used in the manufacture of these goods, which are of considerable food value, would only increase the domestic ration by 1¼ oz. per week; if the amount of sugar allowed to manufacturers has been cut down by one-half; if the price which they have to pay is more than double that charged to the general public; and if he is aware that this industry finds employment for a large number of workpeople and is indispensable to thousands of retailers, many of whom are demobilised and disabled ex-service men?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe answer to the first, second, and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. The price paid by confectioners for sugar is 166 per cent. of the present price of sugar sold for domestic use. The Food Controller is aware of the facts contained in the last part of the question, and it is chiefly on this account that the amounts of sugar issued to manufacturers have not been further curtailed.