HC Deb 30 July 1947 vol 441 c456
53. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Food whether any steps will be taken by his Department to encourage the millers to install machinery for the production of oatmeal in England as is the practice in Scotland, so that oatmeal may become an increasing quota in the diet of persons in the south of England.

Dr. Summerskill

The processing capacity of the oatmeal industry is fully adequate to meet demand. About one quarter of the total production in Great Britain is milled in England.

Sir R. Glyn

Can the hon. Lady say why it is almost impossible to get oatmeal in England?

Dr. Summerskill

I cannot say, because there is no difficulty in transport between Scotland and England, and there is no shortage.

Mr. Scollan

Would it be possible to bring some Scottish housewives to teach housewives in England how to make porridge?

Lord William Scott

Is the hon. Lady aware that oatmeal made in England could never possess the quality of Scottish oatmeal?

Dr. Summerskill

The hon. Gentleman is quite wrong. The constituents of oatmeal in England are exactly the same as the constituents of oatmeal in Scotland.