§ 35. Mr. G. Longdenasked the Minister of Food whether, instead of increasing the sweet ration, he will increase the sugar ration to enable housewives to make more home-made jams and to bottle fruit.
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§ Mr. WebbMy aim must be, in consultation with all the interests concerned, to maintain a fair balance between manufacturers and the domestic ration in these matters. The sugar ration has already been increased, and the extra sugar being given to sweets manufacturers is much too small to enable me to increase the domestic ration further.
In reply to a written Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mrs. Mann), I am today announcing details of this year's programme of six special issues of sugar for jam making, which should enable housewives to plan their preserving in advance.
§ Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Food if he is now able to announce whether there will be any bonus issues of sugar for jam making; and if these will be in addition to the recent sugar increase.
§ Mr. WebbSix 1 lb. bonuses of sugar will be issued for jam making this spring and summer—the same as last year. The first will be available in April and can be drawn at any time after 25th March. The second will be issued towards the end of May, to be followed by further bonuses in June, July, August and September. I hope that this early announcement will help housewives to plan their arrangements for jam making and preserving to the best advantage.