§ 96. Mr. MACMASTERasked the Food Controller if he is aware that retail dealers in the country are compelled to take bacon and cheese, etc., of bad quality and to pay for the same; that 30 per cent. of the cheese imported into this country is damaged and is sent to retailers as part of their allotment, and that 2095 they are compelled to take it and pay for it; and that when retailers return this damaged cheese to wholesalers they are unable in many cases to get repayment of the price paid for the unmerchantable article?
§ The MINISTER of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)I am aware that the quality of imported bacon and cheese is frequently inferior to that of home-cured bacon and British-made cheese, but there is absolutely no ground for the suggestion that 30 per cent. of the cheese reaches this country in a damaged condition, and I regret that such a suggestion should have been made. Retailers receiving damaged cheese as part of their allotment should return the cheese, not to the wholesalers, but to the Government damaged cheese agents, when they will be credited with the invoice value of the cheese returned.
§ Sir C. HENRYDo they get any more cheese in its place?
§ Mr. CLYNESCertainly, if cheese is available.
Colonel Sir F. HALLMay I ask whether steps are being taken to provide the people of this country with better bacon than they have been having during the last two or three months?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes; steps are being taken.