SUGAR STOCKS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 26 November 1942, Page 5

SUGAR STOCKS

NO HUGE RESERVE MAY BE FURTHER RATION FOR JAM “Since my recent statement advising the reinstatement of the basic sugar ration of 12oz a coupon and an additional allowance of 3Jb a head lor jam-making purposes during December, there have been statements made by certain persons suggesting that hug# reserves of sugar are being held in Neva Zealand,” said the Minister of Supply and Munitions. Mr Sullivan, last evening. He added that those statements, which were entirely incorrect, were being made in support of a contention that the release of sugar for jam making purposes in December should or could have been on a higher basis. “The sugar stock position has given considerable anxiety in recent months, and during this period every endeavour has been made to build up reserve stocks apart from the general and cur rent stocks from which the normal ration is drawn.” said Mr Sullivan. “With the restricted wartime shipping facilities this policy was sound and prudent, for it not only allowed a reasonable margin of safety but also permitted the satisfactory dispersal of stocks throughout the Dominion. These special reserves, which are in addition to stocks for current use, provide three weeks’ supply only at the present ration basis. RESERVE STOCKS “In my previous announcement,” said the Minister, “I stated that the stock position had become more favourable than some eight weeks ago when it became necessary to reduce the basicration, and it is due to the care exercised in establishing the present reserve stocks that it was possible to make available the December jam allowance on 23rd November. At the same time I was able to indicate that if our supply were maintained it was hoped to be able to make an additional release during the flush of the fruit season.

“It will be appreciated that in dealing with imported foodstuffs long-rarig« examinations are necessary to ensure a sound stock position so that in the event of any disruption in supply we can maintain as near as possible a satisfactory ration. Everyone will appreciate the difficulties of wartime importations.

“Though I am not yet in a position to make a definite announcement regarding a further special release for the New Year, it is hoped, as previously indicated, that satisfactory ad vices will be received which will enable me to do this before the end of the year,” said Mr Sullivan. He added that this would depend on shipping. In view of the smallness of the reserve of sugar, he hoped that certain people who had been making exaggerated and irresponsible statements concerning this matter would desist.—P.A.