§ 78. Major Petoasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that 23,000 tons of vitaminised chocolate specially made for under-nourished children in Europe has lain for a year past in a factory; and will he try to assure its despatch to liberated Europe, especially Greece.
§ Sir J. GriggThis stock was accumulated for relief purposes and some of it has already been sent for use overseas. The rest will be used to meet the needs which arise in various liberated countries, including Greece.
§ Major PetoWhile I thank my right hon. Friend for his answer, is he aware that the total cost of the chocolate is £2,750,000, that 20,000 tons of this vita- 176 min chocolate are still being stored in places needed for other purposes, and that the storage costs £500 a week; and will he, therefore, use his well-known proclivities for common sense in order to get the chocolate released, so that somebody can eat it and so save paying £500 a week for its storage?
§ Sir J. GriggIt will be used as, soon as it is called forward. It cannot be stored in the Middle East because it does not keep in temperatures of over 80 degrees, and, therefore, the only alternative is to store it in the West.
§ Major PetoIs my right hon. Friend aware that this chocolate has now been stored for over a year at this great cost to the public?
Dr. MorganCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the vitamins are still in this chocolate?