39. Sir WALTER RUNCIMANasked what were the reasons for the 5,000 cases of Danish butter on Newcastle quayside, 1568 which was distributed under an instruction of the Ministry under date of 27th May, being withheld from co-operative stores and retail distributors from 17th May to 27th May; and whether the steps taken to preserve this butter from deterioration included storage in the cold stores at Tyneside?
§ Mr. CLYNESSince an allotment of butter sufficient to meet the ration requirements of registered customers during the ensuing fortnight had been made to retail traders and co-operative stores on the 13th May, it was considered advisable to place the Danish butter which arrived on the 19th in the cool storage available until it was required, rather than to distribute it immediately to retailers, who, as a rule, have no facilities for storage. As I have already stated, since all the available cold storage space in Newcastle was already occupied, the butter in question was placed in cool storage, and I am glad to say that no complaints have been received as regards any deterioration resulting from this course.