HC Deb 08 July 1924 vol 175 c1944
10. Mr. PERRY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that recently 25,000 crates of cheeses were held up in London stores awaiting higher prices and have become heated and unsalcable; and whether, in view of this withholding of food supplies from the consumer, he will take steps to introduce legislation to restrict the operations of interests which control large supplies of foodstuffs?

Mr. WEBB

I am informed that early arrivals of New Zealand cheese were this year more plentiful than and that it was decided to place the immature cheese in cold store, in order to provide a reserve for the autumn months. I am not aware that any appreciable wastage of the cheese has taken place, but if my hon. Friend has any detailed information in the matter, perhaps he will be good enough to send it me.

Mr. PERRY

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us how it is that cheeses in cold storage can become overheated?

Mr. WEBB

That is beyond my knowledge.

Major COLFOX

Will the right hon. Gentleman pursue it?