HC Deb 10 February 1930 vol 235 cc23-5
49 and 50. Brigadier-General BROWN

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1), whether, in view of the report of the Council of Agriculture for England that no extra cost would be entailed by supplying bread to the Forces with 25 per cent. of all-English flour in it, he will consult with the Ministers responsible with a view to giving effect to their recommendations;

(2) whether, in view of the unanimous recommendation of the Council of Agriculture for England that a scheme should be tried of supplying the Army, Air Force and Navy (when in Home ports) with graded home-killed meat for six months in the year, he is prepared to take steps to give effect to that recommendation; and, if so, whether he will give farmers due notice so that they can prepare to meet the demand?

Mr. N. BUXTON

In regard to home-killed beef, while the Government will, of course, give due consideration to the recommendation of the Council of Agriculture, I am unable to add to previous replies which have been given on this subject. In regard to flour I am glad to be able to say that the Secretary of State for War has already given instructions that National Mark All-English flour shall be given a trial for purposes, other than bread-making, at stations where there are Army bakeries, and where consequently flour is required in comparatively large quantities. In the case of other stations where requirements are smaller, and where flour for cooking purposes is usually obtained from the bread contractor, it has been arranged that, as supplies of National Mark flour may not always be obtainable at or near the market price, alternative quotations for National Mark flour and for other varieties shall be invited, and that those for the former shall be accepted, if the price is not higher than that of any other variety.

Mr. GUINNESS

May I ask why the right hon. Gentleman limits his proposal to flour for baking other than bread? Does he realise that it would have been a very interesting experiment and would have shown us what popularity it would have in the Army to have this loaf baked with all-British flour?

Mr. BUXTON

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, it is not possible to guarantee that a loaf made of 100 per cent. English flour would be always satisfactory, especially in a wet season. That is the reason why it is not feasible to insist on 100 per cent. English flour for baking, while it is feasible in the case of cooking flour.

Mr. GUINNESS

The question deals with a proposal worked out by the late Government for 25 per cent. of English flour in the Army loaf. Can the right hon. Gentleman answer that point?

Mr. BUXTON

This is the best arrangement that it has been found feasible to make in the present circumstances.

Mr. GUINNESS

Does it amount to anything? Is it not already the case that British flour from soft wheat is found to be the best flour for biscuit-making? What we want to know is what can be done for making bread?

Mr. MILLS

Can we have sample loaves so that Members of the House of Commons can experiment as to the value of this bread?