HC Deb 21 August 1940 vol 364 c1309
69. Mr. J. Morgan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that several tons of runner or French beans, in edible condition, were handed over for use as pig feed by a Spitalfields firm to a well-known Essex farmer recently because of a temporary glut in supply to that market; and whether agents of the Ministry are stationed at the leading food supply markets, such as Spitalfields, authorised to take over and utilise local surpluses for preservation or economical disposal in other areas?

Mr. Boothby

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to a similar Question on this subject by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for South-East Leeds (Major Milner) on 14th August.

Mr. Morgan

With regard to the latter part of the Question, whether we should have persons present at food supply markets with a view to absorbing surpluses in a proper way, are such officers appointed?

Mr. Boothby

As far as the appointment of special persons is concerned, we have our ordinary means of observation through the divisional food officers and our trade advisers.

Mr. Morgan

Are they entitled to buy them up, or do they merely observe them?

Mr. Boothby

I stated in my previous answer that the cost of such a project would he excessive in relation to the results that we might expect to obtain.

Mr. De la Bère

Do we not want some new system altogether? The whole thing wants looking into by the Minister.

Mr. Boothby

The whole thing has been looked into.