§ 29. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food how many tons of potatoes discharged at Southampton from the "Rochester Castle," on 6th or 7th April, were unfit for human consumption; who is responsible for the order to use cheap packing; and who bears the loss.
§ Mr. StracheyAbout 100 tons, out of a cargo of 2,125 tons, will have to be sold for stock feeding. The jute pockets used are regularly employed for carrying South African potato exports and had proved satisfactory in a trial shipment to this country. I am inquiring into the cause of, and responsibility for, the loss.
§ Sir W. SmithersWhen the Minister has studied the results of the inquiry will he take disciplinary action against those officials responsible for this heavy loss to the taxpayer?
§ Mr. StracheyNo Sir, I cannot for one moment agree that 100 tons out of 2,125 tons of a particular cargo is a heavy loss, and the responsibility for the loss has yet to be determined.