HC Deb 15 November 1950 vol 480 cc1718-9
55. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Food how much imported bacon has been condemned as unfit for human consumption in the last 12 months; how much has been sent to the soap-makers; and principally from what countries did it come.

Mr. Webb

During the year ending 31st October we distributed about 266,000 tons of imported bacon of which 119 tons eight cwts., or 0.05 per cent. was condemned as unfit for human consumption. Most of this condemned bacon was used for industrial manufacture, but I cannot say how much was used for soap making, nor from what particular countries it came.

Mr. Osborne

Is the Minister satisfied that, although the quantity which is condemned is small, no deterioration of the bacon is taking place in the warehouses?

Mr. Webb

One can never be satisfied, but I should have thought that the figures that I have given were quite reassuring.