§ Sir W. RAEBURNasked the Minister of Food what quantity of sugar the Royal Sugar Commission allotted for domestic jam making in 1919; what quantity of sugar has been applied for in the current 56W year for domestic jam making; and how many tons does the Royal Commission's allotment of 2 lbs. per head for domestic jam for the current year amount to?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe total quantity of sugar allotted for the purpose of domestic jam making in 1919 was 63,000 tons. It is impossible to give a precise figure as to the quantity actually applied for in the current year, as the scheme of distribution adopted has rendered it unnecessary for the figures to be totalled, but it is estimated to be not less than 200,000 tons, a quantity far in excess of the supplies available. The allotment of 2 lbs. per head amounts to about 21,000 tons, but a further allocation of 1 lb. of sugar for every 8 lbs. of fruit is being made to those persons who grow their own fruit, and it is estimated that this will absorb an additional 11,620 tons. The total quantity set aside for domestic preserving is 35,000 tons, and the balance will be used to meet as far as possible any cases where the applicants appear to have special claims to consideration. A certain quantity of sugar privately imported under arrangements previously in force is still on the market, and permission has been given for this sugar to be sold for the purpose of domestic jam making, free of restriction.
§ Sir W. RAEBURNasked the Minister of Food what is the available quantity of sugar imported by private parties which the Royal Sugar Commission announced may now be sold unrestrictedly to the public under guarantee that it will be used for domestic jam making only; what quantity of West India yellow crystal sugar is available in this country between now and July; and why do the Royal Sugar Commission forbid the sale of this sugar to the public for domestic jam making?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONThe total quantity of sugar for which licences to take delivery have been issued up to the present date is 48,000 tons, but I am unable to say what proportion of this is now available for sale for domestic preserving. As regards the second part of the question the quantity of West Indian yellow crystal sugar available in this country between now and July is dependent upon the quantity which private importers may decide to ship. To permit the sale of this sugar free of all restriction would conflict with the policy of restricting 57W consumption which is necessary in consequence of the world shortage and the resulting high prices.