§ MR. HALPIN (Clare, W.)To ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that 600 tons of talc is shipped every month from Bordeaux to Liverpool and New York, and that large consignments are sent to Ireland from Liverpool; whether he is aware that talc is used in adulterating flour; and will he instruct the inspectors to take samples of flour and have them analysed.
(Answered by Mr. T. W. Russell.) The Department have no definite information respecting the importations referred to. If the hon. Member will kindly furnish them with any specific particulars in his possession as to the importations of talc, and as to its suspected use as an adulterant of flour in any locality, the matter will be followed up. Samples of flour are taken from time to time by local food inspectors for analysis under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts.