§ Mr. CHIOZZA MONEYasked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that the valuable food reports numbers 12 and 13, just issued, deal with the bleaching of flour and with the use of calcium sulphate, and do not deal with the question of the food value of various flours as distinguished from the qualities chiefly regarded by millers and bakers; and if he will cause to be prepared, as early as possible, an authoritative report on the subject of flour manufacture solely from the point of view of the production of flour of the highest possible food value?
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTCan the right hon. Gentleman say when that information will be issued?
§ Mr. HUNTasked the President of the Local Government Board (1) whether, in view of Dr. J. M. Hamill's report on the effects to health of the bleaching of flour, and of the fact that after bleaching the same amount of flour will make more loaves of bread without increasing the nourishment, he can see his way, in the interests of consumers, and especially of the working classes, to prohibit the practice of bleaching flour? and (2), whether, in view of the fact that calcium sulphate used in the manufacture of bread is the same as plaster of paris, he can see his way to prohibit this article from being used to make bread in the future?
§ Mr. BURNSIn reply to these questions, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to several questions on the same subject on the 10th instant. As I then stated, I am of opinion that some little time must be allowed for the consideration of the questions arising out of the recently issued reports.
§ Mr. HUNTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that plaster of paris is used to poison rats, and should not, therefore, be allowed as food for His Majesty's subjects?
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly tell me when that further report to the public is likely to be issued?