§ 55. Mr. Douglasasked the Minister of Food what would be the annual saving of shipping tonnage if all flour consumed 1281 in this country was of 85 per cent. extraction; and what further saving would be obtained if only wholemeal flour were used.
§ Sir B. SmithIt is estimated that if the extraction rate of flour milled in the United Kingdom were raised to 85 per cent. 342,000 tons less wheat would be required than with the present 80 per cent. extraction rate. If the extraction rate were raised to 100 per cent.,1,279,000 tons less wheat would be required than under the present rate. In neither case, however, would there be any saving in shipping tonnage as it would be necessary to import a corresponding amount of animal feeding-stuffs to compensate for the loss of milling offals which would result from an increase in the extraction rate.
§ Colonel Gomme-DuncanIs the Minister aware that, even if it will not save shipping, it will save an enormous number of lives if we have real flour instead of the rubbish we are getting now?
§ Sir B. SmithAnd it will also kill a lot of livestock in this country.
§ Mr. StokesWas not this change made merely to suit the millers' combine, and was not the Minister's predecessor deceived and misled?
§ Sir B. SmithThe change was made in agreement with the nutritionists—
§ Mr. StokesNo.
§ Sir B. SmithThe hon. Member asked a question and I am trying to reply, I hope truthfully. There was complete agreement between all the experts on the 80 per cent. extraction, and a White Paper is about to be published which will confirm that.
§ Mr. StokesIn view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply I will raise this matter on the Adjournment. Then the Minister will find out the truth.