HC Deb 27 February 1945 vol 408 cc1253-5W
Mr. Viant

asked the Minister of Food what is the nature of the advice given by his Department to the local food offices

paid to British Carribbean sugar producers in each year of the war assuming the price was on the same parity as prewar, namely, the Cuban price plus general Empire preference, certificates, etc.; and what was the price actually paid.

Colonel Llewellin

The question is extremely hypothetical. Since the U.S.A. entered the war there have been no free world prices and no market for sugar. Moreover, Lend-Lease operated for Cuban sugar during a prolonged period. The following information can, however, be given. (The 1940 and 1941 world values were governed by neutral Caribbean and other supplies, and the figures for these years in column 1 given below are based on actual purchases by the Ministry of Food.)

with regard to the issue of permits for the purchase of food for social gatherings in connection with movements of national importance.

Colonel Llewellin

The only social gatherings for which I have in present circumstances been able to authorise special supplies of food are weddings and funerals and entertainments organised by reputable bodies for the sick, wounded or disabled, the aged, the poor, the blind, children and young people under 19 years of age. Local Food Offices have been instructed only to issue permits for functions coming within those categories.