§ 73. Mr. WATERSONasked the Minister of Food whether he can state the amount of Chinese flour in. this country and also 227 the amount due to arrive; if the Scottish Association of Master Bakers in a letter to the Ministry, on 27th October last, declared that this class of flour had been tested and a microscopic examination of the starch cells show that the flour was made from unsound wheat; in view of this declaration is he prepared to consider professional millers' opinion on such matters as affects the staple food of the country; and, if not, what methods is he prepared to adopt to safeguard the health of the community?
§ Mr. McCURDYIn reply to the first part of the question, the quantity of Chinese flour held to the account of the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies in this country is 36,600 tons, and a further quantity of 48,400 tons is due to arrive. With regard to the remainder of the remainder of the question, I may state that in accordance with the regular practice of the Wheat Commission this flour was subjected on arrival to expert examination, and the results were satisfactory. It is true that an insignificant quantity arrived in damaged condition, but no part of that quantity has been allocated for use for human consumption.
§ Mr. WATERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this flour is condemned by every miller in the country?
§ Mr. McCURDYNo, I am not.