HC Deb 15 October 1941 vol 374 c1370
56. Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he proposes to use grass as a source of protein?

Major Lloyd George

Research work on the production of edible protein from young grass is proceeding. There are, however, considerable technical difficulties to be overcome before any large-scale production can be contemplated.

Dr. Summerskill

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman considered the making of sausages from protein which has been extracted from grass, because certain nutrition experts believe that they would be more nutritious and appetising than those we already have?

Major Lloyd George

I cannot say that I personally have considered that. Research is going on at the present time with a view to obtaining protein from grass. So far as laboratory tests are concerned, I believe a sort of greyish material looking like cheese has been discovered, but that is purely on an experimental scale, which is a very different thing from doing it commercially. Research is still going on.

Mr. G. Griffiths

In the case of any such extract being discovered, would my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that it should be first tried out experimentally on the medical profession themselves?

Sir A. Southby

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind the experience of King Nebuchadnezzar?