HC Deb 21 July 1943 vol 391 cc898-9
61. Mr. Oliver

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that several hundredweights of chocolate acquired under the special scheme for evacuees by the Heanor Urban District Council have been permitted so to deteriorate as to be unfit for human consumption, despite the attention of his Department having been drawn to this matter; and whether, having regard to the delay of the Ministry in authorising the disposal of commodities in store under the special scheme, in future local authorities will be authorised to dispose of goods found to be deteriorating?

Mr. Mabane

This chocolate was stored with other goods in a building which proved unsuitable for the storage of chocolate with the result that deterioration was more rapid than is normally the case. Following an inspection of the building by my Department, changes were made in the storage arrangements, but, unfortunately, there was delay in disposing of the 2½ cwts, of chocolate involved. Steps have been taken to prevent any similar delay in future.

Mr. Oliver

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the quantity was 11 cwts., not 2 cwts., and is he aware that the attention of the regional department was drawn to the deterioration and that no authority could be obtained to sell the chocolate before it became unfit for anything but pig food?

Mr. Mabane

I am advised that it was only 2½ cwts., but that is a matter of fact which can be ascertained. Certainly there was a mistake here, and we are doing our best to see that such mistakes do not occur again. I am sure that hon. Members realise the extent to which emergency stocks are distributed, and we cannot guarantee that we are 100 per cent. right in every case.

Mr. Oliver

Will the hon. Member answer that part of the Question about power being given to local authorities to dispose of such stocks?

Mr. Mabane

There is difficulty about giving such authority to dispose of goods which are either rationed or on points. There must be proper control. I do not think that this mistake really justifies such a step.

Mr. E. Walkden

Would it not be highly dangerous to give local authorities such power?

Mr. Mabane

Yes, I think so.