§ 35. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Dutch margarine is supplied to the Navy; if so, whether it is certain that this product does not in fact come from Germany; and, if there is any doubt on the point, whether risk of poisoned food being supplied by German sellers is duly appreciated by the naval authorities?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANo margarine is supplied to the Navy by the Admiralty. His Majesty's ships' companies, however, can purchase it with their own money at 2321 the canteens on board. The tenants of these canteens are at liberty to stock any suitable brands of the goods they sell, provided the prices are reasonable. Samples are taken for analysis at irregular intervals in order to ensure that satisfactory quality is maintained. Among the different margarines stocked in the canteens a Dutch brand is included by certain of the tenants. Special inquiry was made into the possibility of this brand coming from Germany, and the Admiralty are satisfied that there is no ground for such an apprehension.