§ 69. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Food comparative figures of the consumption or sales of breakfast cereals in the first six months of the years 1939 and 1946, respectively; whether he is aware that current demand is in excess of supply: 61W and what steps he is taking to increase the quantities available and ensure equitable distribution.
§ Mr. StracheyThe sales of cereal break fast foods in the first six months of 1939 appear to have been about 19,880 tons; the corresponding figure for 1946 is 25,760 tons. This is another instance of a foodstuff the supply of which we have been able to increase to well above the prewar level without satisfying the demand. This is partly due to shortages of other foodstuffs, but it is due also to the great increase in potential purchasing power in the hands of the public, an increase which it is a main object of His Majesty's Government's policy to promote. Cereal breakfast foods are distributed under the Points Rationing scheme, and I am satisfied that the available supplies are distributed as equitably as possible.