§ 58. Sir Francis Fremantleasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry 152 of Food whether he has considered the possible use of the soya bean as almost the most concentrated natural foodstuff known and an ideal iron ration with a view to its addition to wheat flour and other valuable uses?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Food has had under careful consideration the extended use of soya beans and soya products, and for many months regular quantities of both soya beans and flour have been imported from the United States under Lease-Lend arrangements. The use of soya is being encouraged in those products which in peace time were a normal vehicle of protein to the consumer but in which owing to war-time circumstances the protein content has been reduced. By the use of soya in such products it is hoped to restore the protein content to the pre-war level.
§ Sir F. FremantleIs anything being done by the Ministry of Food to get into touch with the Ministry of Agriculture to encourage the planting and growing of the soya bean in this country? I believe it takes three years to get it growing, but a start could be made.
§ Mr. MabaneThere is continuous contact on all matters, but I would like to have notice on that particular matter.