§ Mr. W. R. Duckworthasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether all dealers have been instructed to cut down sugar supplies to their customers; whether the basis of the new supply is sugar received by each firm during the months of October, November and December, 1938; and whether he will consider taking the average weekly consumption for the whole of the year as a fairer basis since firms of repute book requirements months ahead?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonSupplies of sugar are being equally distributed throughout the country on the basis of 100 per cent. of the period October, November and December, 1938. In cases of hardship supplementary supplies are also being distributed.
§ Mr. Joelasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware of the effect of sugar rationing upon the activities of manufacturers of confectionery; that in some cases the reduction in supplies will be about 40 per cent. of the average weekly consumption; and whether, in view of the many hundreds of people employed by firms of this standing whose operations will be curtailed, he will consider the effect of this rationing on unemployment?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThere is no foundation for the suggestion that supplies of sugar to confectioners will be reduced by 40 per cent. Normal supplies of sugar continue to be made available to the confectionery trades.