§ 61. Mr. Higgsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the large amount of edible matter that is found in canteen, service and private house dustbins; and will he take steps to prevent this waste?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe need for economy in the use of foodstuffs has been repeatedly stressed, and I am not aware 1383 that any considerable amount of edible matter is at present finding its way into canteen, service and private house dustbins. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any specific instances I will be very glad to inquire into them.
§ Mr. LoftusIs the hon. Member aware that in the later stages of the last war every permanent camp in England and France kept pigs to dispose of the camp waste as a measure of food production? Will he consider introducing that to-day, here and abroad?
§ Mr. BoothbyI was not aware of that fact, but I shall be glad to look into it.
§ Mr. HiggsIs the hon. Member aware that pigs are being fed on edible matter which costs anything from £20 to £200 per ton, and that when turned into pig food it is only worth £2 a ton? Does he consider that an economic procedure?
§ Mr. BoothbyNo, Sir, not if the hon. Member's figures are correct.