HC Deb 27 September 1944 vol 403 cc239-40
57. Mr. Liddall

asked the Minister of Food why, in the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Home Grown Grains: Barley) Order (S.R. & 0., No. 787, of 1944), human food is defined as including groats, pearl barley, etc., other than beer, spirits, malt or products of malt.

The Minister of Food (Colonel Llewellin)

The definition quoted is intended to make it clear that where the words "human food" occur in this particular Order, beer, spirits, malt or products of malt are not referred to. It has no other implication.

Mr. Liddall

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend not aware that whilst bread is the staff of life, beer is life itself?

58. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Food why, in the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Home Grown Grains: Barley) Order (S.R. & 0., No. 787, of 1944), food for human consumption is defined, not by its nature, but because of the persons to whom it is sold.

Colonel Llewellin

Because, Sir, the persons referred to acquire it for human consumption.

63. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Food what are the statutes referred to in the words, All other powers him enabling, contained in the preamble to the Emergency Powers (Defence) Food (Pickles and Sauces) Order (S.R. & 0., No. 865, of 1944).

Colonel Llewellin

None, Sir.

Sir H. Williams

May I ask why these words are put in the Orders issued by his Department, and not in the Orders issued by other Departments? Is it not rather a piece of bluff on the public?

Colonel Llewellin

I do not think it is that, but these words were first used in in an Order in the time of Mr. Gladstone's Government, in the year 1862. I have not yet been able to see whether he made any reference to them.