SUGAR RATIONING TO END NEXT YEAR

Chronicle (Levin), 11 July 1947, Page 5

SUGAR RATIONING TO END NEXT YEAR

Press Association

By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON, July 10. Matters of vital interest to housewives were mentioned by the Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer when speaking in the House of Representatives tonight. Rice was heing made availahle hy Australia to New Zealand, he said, on condition that supplies went to hospitals and to the Asiatic population — the same as in Australia. The Government felt that the only effect of issuing licences for the importation of sago would have heen to force the price up for the United Kingdom. Where the prewar price was £15 per ton, today it was £90. A quantity of dried apricots was coming from Australia and Iraq but it would satisfy only half the country's demand. ^ The sultana and currant allocation ' to New Zealand was 75 per cenL of her needs but tbe Minister said he was hoping to bridge the gap hy securing further supplies from the Middle East countries. Mr. Nordmeyer said other commodities such as prunes, figs, tixnied 1'ruits and-tinned fish were coming forward in slightly larger quantities. The amount of sugar allowed New Zealand at present compelled the Government to maintain rationing hut next year the Government would he able to abolish sugar rationing altogether. As far aS supplies of tea were concerned, cheap labour was no longer availahle and there would he a further rise in price which at present was subsidised.