§ 58. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that supplies of foods which were canned in 1943 are being distributed to the trade; if he is satisfied that unnecessary wastage does not result from keeping stocks so long; and what stock he has which is over three years old.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)The keeping qualities of canned foods vary with each commodity. A small proportion of the surplus Services stocks which have 386 been returned from overseas, and which, after inspection, were considered suitable for distribution, may have been packed in 1943, but the bulk were of later packing. I am satisfied that any stocks held at the present time will not suffer unnecessary wastage.
§ Mr. OsborneIn view of the fact that these wartime dumps of food reserves are now being used to maintain our rations, will it mean further severe cuts in our food when they have been used up?
§ Dr. SummerskillThat is another question.