§ 34. Rear-Admiral BEAMISHasked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to make an official pronouncement on the purity of white bread and thus allay the doubts concerning an article of food which is eaten by over 95 per cent. of the population; and whether he will instruct the Departmental Committee which is examining the question of flour treatment to extend its inquiries with a view to making an authoritative statement on the dietetic value of the people's staple foodstuff?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThis subjects referred to in a Report entitled "Diet in Relation to Normal Nutrition," which was issued by my Department a few years ago. I will consider whether it desirable to extend the terms of reference of the Departmental Committee but I am informed that they could not take up the subject referred to in the question until they have disposed of their present reference.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the Departmental Committee are likely to make their Report?
§ Sir WILLIAM DAVISONHaving regard to the urgency to the public health of this matter being decided in an authoritative way as soon as possible, will the right hon. Gentleman not ask the Committee to pronounce an interim decision on this matter, which is really a very simple one, so that a Circular may be Sent round by his Department?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am afraid the matter is not quite as simple as it appears to be to my hon. Friend. It has been under discussion for a number of years, to my knowledge, but certainly I will consider the matter and see if anything can be done.
§ Rear-Admiral BEAMISHDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the periodic denunciations of this staple article of diet are on a scientific foundation?