§ 75. Mr. LORT-WILLIAMSasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that several hundreds of barrels of syrup have been lying on the quays in the Surrey Commercial Docks for considerably over two years, and that in hot weather the syrup oozes from the barrels and runs to waste; and whether it would be possible, without gravely interfering with the food control of the Government, to arrange for this syrup to be distributed to the consumer, lest, by one of the accidents of our variable climate, the coming summer may prove too much for the fortitude of these barrels?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONWith regard to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on Thursday, April 22nd, to the hon. Member for West Bermondsey (Mr. Glanville). This syrup is not the property of the Ministry, and there is no evidence that the owners are refusing to sell it at a reasonable price. Indeed, I understand that part has already been sold. In the circumstances, no action on the part of the Ministry of Food would appear to be necessary.