§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the hardship suffered by small confectionery businesses on account of the virtual stoppage of supplies of sweets and chocolate, and of the sense of unfairness felt by such businesses when ample, and often excessive, supplies are known to be provided for soldiers' canteens; and, since these small businesses contribute substantially in rates and taxes to the upkeep of the country, whether he will take steps to effect a more equitable distribution of the goods by the sale of which such businesses live?
Major Lloyd GeorgeMy Noble Friend is well aware of the difficulties at present facing the small retailer of confectionery, and efforts are constantly being made to ensure that equity of distribution is maintained and improved. Whilst there is an undoubted shortage, however, there is no question of a virtual stoppage in supplies. The latest production figures show that many of the most important lines, such as block chocolate, are actually being produced on practically the same scale as before the war; and the proportion of this production going to Services canteens and other priority omlets. is only a comparatively small proportion of the whole. The main origin of the shortage lies in the very great increase in demand under war conditions. My Noble Friend., in agreement with the Services Departments concerned, has recently arranged for a considerable reduction in supplies to military canteens. But it must be realised that the quantities so released for sale through the retailer, when spread over the whole country, will be far too small to overcome the general shortage of supply.