HC Deb 19 November 1941 vol 376 cc306-8
69. Mr. Stokes

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will arrange for suitable broadcasts urging the population to eat national wheatmeal bread to the correct specification, explaining the advantages to be gained by so doing instead of consuming white bread?

Major Lloyd George

Since the introduction of national wheatmeal bread the Food Advice Campaign organised by my Department has regularly informed the public in broadcasts and by other means of the advantages of eating this bread. Accordingly I see no reason for the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend on the next occasion see that special emphasis is laid on the specification, having regard to the wide variety of national wheatmeal breads which we saw in the dining-room of this House the other day?

Miss Eleanor Rathbone

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that a great many bakers do not stock this bread and that people try in vain to get it?

Major Lloyd George

I am aware of that, and I have frequently stated that if hon. Members will bring cases to my notice, I will do my best to see that the bread is stocked, but the supply of it is already increasing.

Captain Profumo

Is there any correct specification for national wheatmeal?

84. Captain Profumo

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food to what extent the original recommendations with regard to national wheatmeal bread, made by the Medical Research Council, were accepted; and on what grounds any of them were turned down?

Major Lloyd George

No recommendation made by the Medical Research Council with regard to national wheatmeal bread has been rejected by my Noble Friend. All have been acted upon with one exception. That is still being examined.

Captain Profumo

Is it not a fact that a standard as to the contents of the national wheatmeal loaf has never been laid down by the Ministry—in regard to the amount of bran, etc.—and are not the public being misled into thinking that they are eating something of great value?

Major Lloyd George

I am advised that a specification for the wheatmeal loaf has been laid down.

Captain Profumo

I believe the Minister will find that that is not the case.