§ 58 and 59. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Food (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that traders have sufficient stocks of sweets to meet the demand after the re-introduction of sweet rationing;
(2) what arrangements he is proposing to adopt in connection with traders' coupon floats when sweet rationing is re-introduced.
§ Dr. SummerskillTraders will be given credit at 14th August to permit them to obtain supplies equal to 150 per cent. of their turnover in the eight weeks to 26th March, 1949. To a certain extent they 139W will have to rebuild their working stocks out of current deliveries, and even so we cannot guarantee that the ration will be met in the four weeks starting on 14th August. This is the reason that the coupons will be valid in the following period.
§ Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Food how he will ensure that traders who sell sweets before the re-introduction of rationing are not penalised through having low stocks on 17th August.
§ Mr. StracheyI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his Questions today.