HC Deb 26 November 1941 vol 376 cc751-2
56. Mr. Stokes

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will issue instructions to all millers and bakers that national wheatmeal flour is to be made up in accordance with the specification recommended by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Food?

Major Lloyd George

Instructions have been issued to all millers for the manufacture of national wheatmeal in accordance with the specification referred to by my hon. Friend. In so far as bakers are concerned, the Bread (Control and Maximum Prices) Order stipulates the ingredients which may be used in addition to national wheatmeal in manufacturing national wheatmeal bread.

Mr. Stokes

Does the Minister mean that the bakers are required to get the right kind of flour from the only millers who make it, or can they just get what they like and mix it up according to what the specification might be?

Major Lloyd George

No, Sir. The specification laid down is that which was furnished to the millers.

Mr. Stokes

Is not the Minister aware that, on a recent occasion, 27 different samples of national wheatmeal bread served to the Royal Air Force were on exhibition, and that not a single one was made from the right specification?

Major Lloyd George

We are aware that some of the bread has not been up to the specification, and because of that we are considering issuing further instructions.

Mrs. Hardie

Is the Minister aware that the wheatmeal loaf will not keep for more than three days and that there must be something wrong therefore with the flour?