§ 113. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Chairman of the Kitchen Committee whether he is aware that on Friday, the 28th February, a large quantity of fish and other food was left on hand; whether such food was placed in refrigerators until Monday, the 3rd March, when it was served in the dining rooms; that, in consequence, several Members suffered from ptomaine poisoning; and whether in future he will give directions that all surplus stocks of perishable food left over on Fridays are at once sent to St. Thomas's Hospital or otherwise disposed of?
§ Sir JAMES AGG-GARDNER (Chairman of the Kitchen Committee)In reply to the hon. Member, no perishable foods were left on hand on Friday, 28th of February. They were all consumed at a banquet held that evening, and in feeding the staff employed in the department. No 869 complaint of ptomaine poisoning has so far reached the Committee. When surplus stocks remain, it has been the practice of the Department to distribute them amongst "The Little Sisters of the Poor," Nazareth House, Hammersmith. This practice, which coincides with the suggestion by my hon. Friend, will be continued whenever the opportunity occurs.