§ 55. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food the cost to the taxpayer of the reception held at the Dorchester hotel on 26th March for the Third Conference of the European Infestation Control Working Party; and if he will give details of its purpose, activities and benefit to Britain.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe cost of this reception was £55 2s. 2d. The European Infestation Control Working Party has been set up under the aegis of the Emergency Economic Committee for Europe and it comprises representative Government scientists from a number of European countries. Its chief aim is to secure a reduction of infestation losses in stored foodstuffs by the co-operative efforts f the countries concerned. I need not emphasise the importance to this country of achieving this aim.
§ Sir W. SmithersMay I ask the hon. Lady if these working parties will inquire into the infestation in Britain of the Minister of Food, and take steps to disinfect him?
§ Dr. SummerskillMay I say I deplore the fact that the grace of hospitality has been destroyed by this Question, which has been put down whilst our guests are still in this country.
§ Mr. ChurchillI hope I shall not be trespassing on the grace of hospitality if I ask what is the point of the word "infestation". Why was it chosen, and what does it actually mean? It seems a little to detract from the glamour of the title.
§ Dr. SummerskillAs the right hon. Gentleman is a master of the English language, I think he should be able to explain that to the House.
§ Mr. ChurchillSurely, without attempting mastery in the English language, some trace of reason should be attached to the use of these particular words by His Majesty's Government? Would the hon. Lady kindly say what is the point of this word "infestation"? What does it mean?
§ Dr. SummerskillInfestation simply means the destruction of food by some kind of vermin.
§ Mr. ChurchillAre we to understand that the object is to prevent the destruction of food by vermin, because, if so, I do not think there would be any difference between us that international measures should be taken for that purpose?
§ Dr. SummerskillThat is precisely the reason why this body has been set up.
§ Mr. WalkdenDoes it not mean, so far as the Ministry of Food is concerned, bugs and fleas and things that creep and crawl and cause trouble for the Ministry of Food?
§ Sir W. SmithersIs not the description which has just been given an apt description of His Majesty's Government?