HC Deb 27 July 1910 vol 19 cc2109-10
Mr. LONSDALE

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he had received the Report of the inspector who was directed to investigate the effects of the bleaching of flour by chemical process; and if he could state whether legislation will be necessary to enable him to protect the public from being supplied with impure and adulterated flour?

Mr. BURNS

The inquiry is still proceeding, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement as to whether legislation will be necessary.

Mr. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some manufacturing chemists are openly offering phosphate of lime to millers for the purpose of this adulteration?

Mr. BURNS

I am aware of something like that, and I am anxious to make the Report and investigation as complete as possible.

Mr. GIBSON BOWLES

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make it known that the whitest flours are the worst and least digestible?