HC Deb 01 October 1941 vol 374 cc573-4
53. Mr. Thorne

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can given any information in connection with a London firm selling for 3s. a pound milk substitute which is made up of flour, salt and baking powder; and what action he intends to take about the matter?

Major Lloyd George

My Department purchased over the counter a sample of the product to which my hon. Friend refers, and has had it analysed. It was found to consist mainly of the materials mentioned in the Question. My Noble Friend is giving urgent consideration to the steps to be taken to protect the public against the sale of food substitutes of this kind.

Mr. Thorne

Can the Minister in any way make it known to this class of people that I and many other Members of this House will keep on chasing them until they put an end to this business?

Mr. Garro Jones

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that these abuses and malpractices have been publicised in the Press for the last three, four or live weeks, and how long will it take before a decision is reached and preventive action taken?

Major Lloyd George

My hon. Friend will appreciate that analyses of these products take a considerable time in some cases, and the fact that they are food substitutes does not in itself make them harmful. What is of serious import is the exploitation of the public with regard to price, and that is one of the things in regard to which we can protect the public, and we will do that as soon as we can.

Mr. Garro Jones

When may we expect action?

Major Lloyd George

Very shortly.

62. Mr. Leonard

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the fine of £20 imposed upon a Glasgow firm at a court in Leeds for a misleading advertisement furthering the sale of a milk substitute for ice-cream; to the allegation that it consisted of 96 per cent. wheat flour and 4 per cent. milk sugar, and sold at 2s. 9d. per pound, although the cost of flour was only about 1d. per pound; and whether he will further restrain such firms?

Major Lloyd George

The answer to the first and second parts of the Question is "Yes, Sir." With regard to the last part, as I have already informed my hon. Friend the Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thome), my Noble Friend is giving urgent consideration to the steps to be taken to protect the public from the sale of food substitutes of this kind.