asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in connection with the provision of sugar and supply of fruit for preserving, he will take steps to ensure that householders are allowed to buy sufficient quantities of both sugar and fruit, in order to avoid such waste of fruit, both home-grown in private gardens, and by market and nursery gardeners?

Inquiry is being made to ascertain the demand for sugar from persons who wish to preserve fruit grown in their own gardens or allotments. When the information is available, my Noble Friend will be in a position to say whether it is practicable to make a special allowance of sugar to persons who buy home-grown fruit for preserving.

Is it not of the utmost importance that as much fruit as possible should be preserved this year and not wasted, and does my hon. Friend realise that Evesham is particularly affected in this matter?

I am aware of the importance of the matter.

Is there any doubt that there will be sugar available to the small fruit-grower?

Any doubt will be resolved as soon as we get information of the amount needed for home-produced fruit.

Is a census being made in connection with the matter?

We have information as to the possible supplies.