§ 93 and 94. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Food Controller (1) whether the Committee now sitting on the Bread Order, 1918, has yet reported; if not, whether he can see any objection to permitting the supplying of new bread during the summer months; (2) whether he is aware that large numbers of people refuse to eat the stale bread provided by the Defence of the Realm Act; whether large quantities of it are in consequence wasted; and whether he will, now that Peace is declared, permit bakers to supply the ordinary new bread as in pre-war days?
Mr. ROBERTSI understand that in certain localities there is a general demand for new bread, but I am not aware that, large numbers of people are refusing to-eat the bread supplied or that large quantities of bread are being wasted. At the request of the War Cabinet, the twelve hours' Clause of the Bread Order has been maintained pending the issue of the Report of the Committee of Inquiry into night work in the baking trade. I understand that this Report has now been presented, and I am in communication with the Minister of Labour with a view to obtaining his consent to the revocation of Clause 1 of the Broad Order at an early date.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWas the Minister of Health consulted before this step was taken?
§ Major NALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the eating of new bread has nothing whatever to do with night baking, and that the bread sold in the afternoon can quite well be new?