§ 20. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Food what was the total tonnage of the consignment of home manufactured cotton-cake, part of which was found in about January, 1950, to be contaminated with copper; how much was contaminated; how long the unsold part of the consignment lay in store and why; to which countries, at what price and by whom it is now being exported; and what have been to date the trading result to his department.
§ Mr. F. WilleyThe total quantity affected was 956 tons. It lay in store from February, 1950, until March, 1951, while trade experts tried to find a means of separating the sound cake from that containing copper ore. Then, as no wholly effective method had been found, and as we were advised that the cake would be dangerous to cattle, it was offered for sale as unfit for cattle feeding. It was bought by a merchant for export, but I cannot give details of the way in which he has disposed of it. The amount realised by the Ministry on this cake was reduced by some £10,500 as a result of the contamination.
§ Major Legge-Bourkewhat is the Minister doing to ensure that our own 941 reputation as traders is not impaired by this cake being sold as fit for cattle consumption?
§ Mr. WilleyThis is being sold as unfit for cattle consumption.