Mr. David Adamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, during the period of the last two months' quota of fats to fish friers, their shops have been closed for an average of three weeks, thereby causing considerable deprivation to many workers; and whether, as soap manufacturers are receiving 100 per cent. ration of fats, it is now decided to end this discrimination?
Major Lloyd GeorgeBuying permits to fish friers for their supplies of oil and dripping are issued for a two months' period. I understand that there have been cases in which fish friers have used the whole of their allocation during the early part of the two months' period, with the result that towards the end of the period they have been short of supplies. It is regretted that in view' of the supply position the total quantity of oils and fats for fish friers cannot at present be increased. Most of the raw materials used in soap making are unfit for edible purposes and so could not be used to meet 1799W the requirements of fish friers. Moreover, it is specially important to maintain the output of soap at a high figure, in view of the necessity for producing the maximum quantity of its by-product, glycerine, which is urgently required for munitions.