§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEasked the Minister of Food the causes of the present dearth of sugar in the United Kingdom in view of the fact that the importation of sugar for home consumption in 1919 was only 7 per cent. less than in 1913 and 1914, i.e., an amount of 31,000,000 cwts., as against an average of 33,000,000 cwts. in 1913 and 1914?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe present dearth of sugar, as explained in previous replies to questions, is due to a decrease in the world's production of some 3,000,000 tons, coupled with an increased demand for consumption, particularly in the United States of America. For these reasons the amounts available for importation this year are considerably below the normal figure. The sugar imported into this country during the year 1919 was for the most part passed immediately into consumption.
§ Major GLYNasked the Minister of Food whether he is in a position to state that the amount of sugar being now used in the manufacture of sweetmeats and chocolates, etc., will not detrimentally affect the supply of sugar required for the manufacture of jam; whether, in view of the butter restrictions at present in force jam is an essential article of food for the people; and whether he is aware that a large amount of fruit will be wasted unless adequate supplies of sugar are available for household and trade purposes for the preservation of fresh fruit?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The value of jam as a food is fully recognised, and an adequate supply of sugar will be allotted for its manufacture. As regards the third part of the question I may remind the hon. and gallant Member that the manufacture of jam is not the only use to which fresh fruit is put, and that the prospects of the coming fruit crop cannot at present be estimated.