§ 55. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Food why a weekly allowance of two-and-a-half tons of oats and one ton of bread is made under licence from his Department to Messrs. A. W. Tuck and Son, of Rayleigh, Essex, for the purpose of feeding mice; and if he will stop this allowance during this time of bread shortage.
§ Mr. StracheyOats and spoilt bread unfit for human consumption are supplied for mice and rats bred for medical research purposes. I am not prepared to stop the supplies needed for this important work.
§ Mr. FreemanIs it not a fact that this bread has been specially made for these mice, and will the Minister see that in future only bread is allocated for this purpose which is unfit for human consumption?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir, my hon. Friend is misinformed. All this bread is unfit for human consumption.
§ Mr. MarloweWill the right hon. Gentleman assure us that this priority is retained in view of the necessity for sustaining members of His Majesty's Government?
§ Major Cecil PooleCan the Minister tell us what is the weekly bread ration for one mouse?