HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 cc1217-8W
Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether glucose purchased in America will be subject to control at English ports; and whether glucose contracted and paid for outside the British Isles will be permitted to be delivered to British firms without interference?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I have been asked to reply. Glucose imported into the United Kingdom is not subject to control other than that imposed by the relative Maximum Prices Orders. Importers have been informed that the provisions of the Orders are not applicable to glucose to which they take title in a foreign country, provided it is not resold in the United Kingdom.

Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) whether firms using glucose have been officially informed that no further raw material is to be liberated by the Government for the manufacture of glucose;

(2) whether, in view of the lack of supplies of maize in bulk from the United States, he will consider obtaining these supplies from South Africa, and other parts of the Empire, with the object of preventing the highly important glucose industry from collapse;

(3) whether he is aware that many glucose factories in this country will have to close down owing to the inability to obtain supplies of maize, which have been commandeered by the Government; and whether, in the circumstances, he will reconsider the official decision not to supply maize in future for the manufacture of glucose?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Firms manufacturing or using glucose have not been told that no further raw material will be issued for the manufacture of glucose. Special arrangements have, in fact, been made to supply maize to glucose factories within the past few days.

The quantity of maize arriving during recent weeks has been below normal and purchases have been made in South Africa and elsewhere, substantial shipments being on the way. As supplies become available purchases will be continued from all possible sources.

It is intended while the shortage lasts to allocate maize supplies to the most urgent needs, and I hope to be able to allocate to the glucose industry a substantial proportion of its requirements.