§ 9. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to receive the Report of the Food Standards Committee on improving the quality of bread.
Mr. AmoryThe Committee is still taking evidence. While I can make no forecast, a considerable time must certainly elapse before it will be able to report on the complex matters referred to it.
§ Mr. LiptonWill the Minister say why it takes so long to verify a simple fact? Most of our bread is steamed, not baked, thus producing loaves at the required weight with an excess of moisture. How much longer are the multiple bakeries to be allowed to operate this very lucrative racket at the public expense?
Mr. AmoryI cannot accept the view, which seems to lie behind the hon. Gentleman's Question, that the quality of bread has deteriorated recently. The evidence is to the contrary.
§ Mr. WilleyWill the right hon. Gentleman ensure at the same time that we now have cheaper bread as the price of wheat has fallen rapidly?