§ 27. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the difficulty found in some parts of the country in buying all-English bread made from national-mark flour, he will arrange with the President of the Board of Education to invite county councils to hold classes to enable local bakers to regain the art of baking a palatable loaf from all-English flour?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONAs a first step, it is desirable to promote baking tests to 880 establish the most satisfactory technique for the baking of loaves from all-English wheat flour, and in this matter I am looking for advice to the National Mark Flour Trade Committee and to the National Association of Maser Bakers, Confectioners and Caterers. In the circumstances, the time is hardly ripe to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion which, however, I shall be glad to keep before me.
§ 28. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps have been taken by his Department to obtain publicity for the national-mark scheme in respect of flour and meat; and whether he is satisfied that adequate public attention has been obtained as the result of those efforts?
§ Mr. BUXTONSince the introduction of the national-mark beef scheme in London and Birmingham, there has not only been widespread publicity in the Press but, with the assistance of the Empire Marketing Board, special publicity campaigns have been carried out on behalf of the scheme in both areas with encouraging results. My Department has also maintained continuous publicity for the national-mark flour scheme, though on a less extensive scale than in the case of beef, and there is evidence that retail traders are giving more attention to this product. I recognise that there is scope for farther effort, and I hope shortly to be in a position to ensure increased publicity for all national-mark schemes.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate what results have been achieved in consequence of his efforts?
§ Mr. BUXTONThere has been a marked increase in the consumption of national marked beef; about 50 per cent. in London on last month's consumption.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEMay I ask whether the publicity campaign has been carried to the extent of sending a notice to the Secretary of State for War?
Mr. GUINNESSMay I ask whether there has been any increase in the price of yeoman wheat to the farmer as a result of this demand?
§ Mr. BUXTONNot that I am aware of.