asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will explain the points reduction in the sale of sweets and whether he is aware of the annoyance thereover of the retailers?
Retailers of chocolate and sugar confectionery were allowed to purchase supplies points free during the first three ration periods, in which they collected points from their customers. Not all the points so collected were subsequently credited to retailers' points accounts, but nevertheless a substantial initial credit of personal points was granted in this way. Experience has shown that this initial credit has been more than sufficient to ensure the smooth working of the personal points rationing scheme; and, as it is undesirable to have more points in circulation than are needed, a deduction, equal to 10 per cent. of the points collected from their customers in ration period No. 7, has been made from the number of personal points credited to retailers. My Noble Friend has no reason to believe that the deduction has caused annoyance to retailers in general. A similar deduction has been made from the personal points credit available to wholesalers.