§ 54. Major Lyonsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the process carried out in the United States of America of dehydrated tomato flakes; and whether, after inquiries, he will consider setting up a similar plant in this country?
§ Mr. MabaneYes, Sir. I am informed that two firms in the United States of America are undertaking this process, but my noble Friend does not see his way to provide plant and man-power for the process here, in view of the requirements of the factories being equipped by my Department for drying other vegetables required for the Forces.
§ Major LyonsIn view of the present disappearance of fresh tomatoes, as a result of the intervention of the hon. Gentleman's Department, will he reconsider the question of whether some steps can be taken to dehydrate tomatoes?
§ Captain PluggeHow many plants have we in this country for dehydrating food?
§ Mr. MabaneThat is another question.
§ Mr. E. WalkdenWill the hon. Gentleman indicate where he proposes to get the tomatoes to dehydrate?
§ Mr. MabaneI said that we were not proposing to dehydrate tomatoes.