HC Deb 07 July 1910 vol 18 c1788
Mr. LONSDALE

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the deleterious ingredients introduced into flour as the result of bleaching with nitrogen peroxide; and whether any measures are taken to prevent the supply to the Army of flour which has undergone this bleaching process?

Mr. HALDANE

I have not received any reports of the flour supplied to the Army being treated in the manner referred to. The specification governing supply under contract requires that the flour shall be the produce of good, sound wheat and dry wheat, without any adulteration whatever.

Mr. LONSDALE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the President of the Local Government Board as to the question of the adulteration of flour?

Mr. HALDANE

In the Army we look after our own flour.

Mr. LONSDALE

What means does the right hon. Gentleman take to have the flour analysed?

Mr. HALDANE

We have experts, and we have access to the laboratories we wish.

Mr. LONSDALE

Does the salary of the expert appear on the Vote?

Mr. HALDANE

If the hon. Member will put down a question, I will answer it.

Mr. C. BATHURST

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman's experts advise rolling flour with a steam rolling mill?