HC Deb 01 March 1911 vol 22 cc369-70
Mr. LONSDALE

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is yet in a position to state the results of the investigation which he has instituted into the practice of adulterating flour by the addition of phosphates, whether made from the bones of animals or lime and sulphuric acid, and the nature of the action which he contemplates to put a stop to this practice?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)

I am expecting to receive at an early date the Report of my officer who has been investigating the question of flour. When I have received it, the whole question will have my careful consideration.

Mr. LONSDALE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I asked a similar question in this House about five months ago, and the reply he gave me on that occasion was in similar terms?

Mr. BURNS

It is perfectly true that when the hon. Member asked that question I deemed it advisable to extend the scope of the inquiry. I am glad to say that the whole Report will probably be out next month.

Mr. LONSDALE

In the meantime may I assume that people are to go on being slowly poisoned?—

Mr. BURNS

Oh, no. The hon. Member must not assume that. The interest that is being taken in this question is due to the fact that the Press ascertained I had appointed two officers to make this investigation eight months ago.

Mr. LONSDALE

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will not object to my putting a further question to him a fortnight hence?

Mr. BURNS

I think long before a fortnight the Report will be on the Table.

Mr. LONSDALE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if the attention of the Department had been called to the fact that, in violation of the Merchandise Marks Act, some millers, who are known to the Local Government Board, resort to the practice of adding phosphates to the flour milled; and if it is the intention of the Department to put in force the powers which they possess to check this practice?

Sir E. STRACHEY

The Board are in communication with the Local Government Board on this subject. They would be very willing to consider the possibility of instituting proceedings under the Merchandise Marks Act in any specific case which may be brought to their notice.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

Is it not a fact that specific cases have been brought to the notice of the Board, and that they have taken no action?