§ 11. Lieut.-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Food what savings in fat, sugar and other ingredients will be effected by lowering the standard of ice-cream.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe lowering of the standard will not in itself effect any savings. Supplies of milk powder and fat to the industry have already been substantially reduced, and my object in modifying the standard is to make these scarce ingredients go further.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWhile the answer makes it quite clear that no saving is to be effected, is it not rather shameful that the Minister should single out a food product that is largely consumed by children for a deliberate debasement of quality?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIt will still be very attractive, and I assure the hon. and gallant Member that he will like eating it just the same as before.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIt is not a question of that. Will the Minister not have regard to the interests of these children in this matter?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeYes, certainly, but I have to dish out what there is according to what there was, and that is nothing to do with me.
§ 12. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food why it has become necessary to reduce the standard of ice-cream; how far it will be reduced; and for how long the lower food value will operate.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeBecause scarcity of milk powder and fat would have led 2125 to shortage of ice-cream, milk solids have been reduced to a minimum of 5 per cent. instead of 7½ per cent., and fat to 4 per cent. instead of 5 per cent. The higher standard will be restored when supplies improve.
§ Mr. DoddsCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman assure parents that ice-cream can still be looked upon as being of a fairly high food value, and will he add to this by stating whether during this period he will continue to have his ice-cream sandwich or cornet?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeWith regard to its food value, there is no question about any reduction in the standard in that sense. It is a question purely of a lesser percentage of ingredients.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanCan the Minister say whether this announced policy of his of "dishing out what there is according to what there was" may be regarded as a general definition of Government policy in other matters too?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgePerhaps I can put it more clearly as regards the Department in which I am particularly interested. What I meant to say was that the fact that we have had to reduce the fats and other things is due to the position that we found when we came into office.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWill this change necessitate any further precautions to safeguard the health of the consumers of ice-cream?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThat aspect remains unaffected.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.