HC Deb 03 December 1906 vol 166 cc563-4
MR. BOWEEMAN (Deptford)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the jam which has recently had to be rejected was made up in solderless tins; whether he is aware that three carpenters have recently been employed constantly in the victualling yard at Deptford repacking tins in new cases owing to their leakage; and whether it is intended to permit the continued use of solderless tins for jams and other forms of preserved food.

Notice had also been given of the following Question:

MR. BOWEEMAN

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state the name of the contractor who supplied 269,000 lbs. of jam which were rejected in August last; whether any further quantities, and, if so, how much, have since had to be rejected; and whether the contracting firms supplying the jams are still on the Admiralty list.

THE CIVIL LORD OF THE ADMIR ALTY (Mr. LAMBERT, Devonshire, South Molton)

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to answer the two Questions at the same time. The jam in question was not part of a new delivery, but gooseberry jam which had been a considerable time in store. Some tins of this jam were examined in July last and samples were then submitted to the Government Laboratory, and also to the Medical Officer of Health of the City of London. AH the reports show that the jam is in sound condition and fit for food. In consequence, however, of the recent reduction of the reserves it may be necessary to sell what is now surplus stock. There have been no recent rejections of contractors' deliveries. The firms who supplied this jam are still on the Admiralty list, and as no discredit whatever attaches to them the publication of their names is likely to create a false impression. As regards the second Question, the bulk of this jam was in solderless tins, but the doubt raised as to its condition was not due to any leakage, which is particularly rare in the case of solderless tins. From time to time jam has had to be repacked at Deptford before shipment, but where this has been due to leakage the tins which have leaked have always been soldered tins. No reason is therefore seen for prohibiting the use of solderless tins in future supplies.