§ 25. Mr. F. Willeyasked the Minister of Food how much meat has been condemned in London as unfit for human consumption in the past two weeks; and how this compares with the corresponding figure for last year.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeDuring the fortnight ended 5th July a total of about 42 tons of meat and offal was condemned. In the corresponding two weeks last year less than half a ton was condemned.
§ Mr. WilleyDoes not this show the necessity for more cold storage and freezing accommodation?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI agree with the hon. Gentleman. He will, however, appreciate that that is a very large capital commitment. The existing cold storage is being used to the utmost capacity and, as he knows, this was not unknown before the war.
§ Mr. RoyleWould it not be better to spend money on cold stores and their equipment rather than waste all this meat?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI agree entirely. But this is quite exceptional. Of this 42 tons, 35 tons occurred in the very hot week ending 5th July, and when the weather broke on the Wednesday night we had practically no loss at all.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say what has happened to the 35 tons of meat?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am perfectly certain that the hon. and gallant Gentleman did not get it in his rations.