§ 38. Mr. Skinnardasked the Minister of Food whether he will take steps to prevent the practice of wholesalers in delivering margarine to retail grocers in unlined cardboard containers, the unpalatable flavour of which has in some cases made the contents unsaleable.
§ Dr. SummerskillAll bulk margarine is supplied in parchment-lined containers. We have received no complaints that wholesalers are delivering margarine in unsatisfactory containers, but if my hon. Friend will let me have details of any case he has in mind I shall be glad to have the matter investigated.
§ 39. Mr. Skinnardasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that cooking fat is being delivered to retail grocers in wooden cases which are not sterilised when returned for re-issue and that the fat is contaminated by dirt penetrating the greaseproof paper container; and whether he will refer this matter to the working party for the catering trade and consult the Minister of Health and Secretary of State for Scotland on the possibility of further action to ensure hygienic distribution.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe must continue to use returned containers until better packing materials are available. All used containers are cleaned and lined with new parchment paper before being used again. We shall continue our efforts to supply new containers, but it must be some time before we can guarantee to do so.
§ Mr. SkinnardIs my right hon. Friend aware that retailers complain that, especially in hot weather, the product 740 seeps through the present detachable lining? Would it be possible to have a more suitable lining?
§ Dr. SummerskillI can assure my hon. Friend that we have had few complaints of this character, and that the retailer can have the fat replaced if it is contaminated.
§ Mr. SkinnardYes, but surely that entails a loss of fat.