§ Mr. TOUCHEasked the President of the Local Government Board, whether his attention had been drawn to the alleged adulteration and bleaching of flour, including spraying with water and the use of phosphates and modifying ingredients manufactured from bones and vitriol; whether the existing law was sufficient to prevent flour adulteration; and whether steps were being taken by his Department to put it in force for the protection of the public?
§ Mr. BURNSMy attention has been drawn to this matter and inquiries are now being made in regard to it by the Foods Department of the Local Government Board. Until these inquiries are completed and I have had an opportunity of considering the reports upon them I am not prepared to say whether the existing law is sufficient to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. LONSDALEDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to place on the Table papers informing the House what has been done?
§ Mr. BURNSI think the best plan will be for Members to wait a few days until the Report which I have promised is presented as a Parliamentary Paper.