§ 46. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Food why Polish frozen egg which was not fit for human consumption was sent to the North Lincolnshire bakery traders just before Christmas 1949.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Maurice Webb)We made our usual laboratory tests of this Polish frozen egg and they showed it was quite fit for human consumption. We are investigating the cause of the complaints about the flavour of some consignments and have replaced them from other stocks. I will write to the hon. Member when I have more information.
§ Mr. OsborneCan the right hon. Gentleman say why, if this Polish frozen egg is now found to be fit for human consumption, it was withdrawn? Is he aware that it has been in stock so long that traders told his officials it was unfit for human consumption? Will he also say why his Department insisted on its being issued to the public?
§ Mr. WebbThis particular egg is a very awkward thing. I have learned that defrosted Polish egg is less viscous than frozen egg from any other part of the 1958 world; it has been suggested that Polish egg has an undue moisture content. Obviously, these are grave matters, and we shall look into them very seriously indeed.
§ Professor SavoryWill the right hon. Gentleman say why he cannot leave the Polish eggs to the Polish people, who are starving under their Communist regime?