§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to what groups or classes his Department makes a priority allocation of 20 per cent. to 25 per cent. of the present reduced output of block chocolate; into what priority category he places the children of the working people of the country; and whether, in fixing any control price for the block chocolate, the current standard by which the ¼1b. block is sold for 4½d. will be maintained?
Major Lloyd GeorgePriority is given to supplies for the Armed Forces, military canteens, the British Red Cross for prisoners of war, hospitals, local authorities for Civil Defence services and to certain canteens serving industrial undertakings engaged on essential work. These supplies are carefully controlled with a view to securing a reasonable balance between the priority needs and the recognised needs of the general population, including children. I have noted the suggestion made by my hon. Friend in the last part of his Question. I would, however, remind him that the cost of the ingredients of block chocolate has more than doubled.