HC Deb 30 June 1958 vol 590 cc876-7
45. Mr. G. Wilson

asked the hon. Member for Woolwich, West, as Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, whether he will take steps to improve the quality of the Cornish pasties served in the Members' Cafeteria.

Sir William Steward

I will look into my hon. Friend's complaint, and see what can be done. However, if he, as the Member for a Cornish constituency, has any culinary information to give, I shall be pleased to hear from him.

Mr. Wilson

Does my hon. Friend appreciate that the articles of food being sold as Cornish pasties in the cafeteria at present do not bear any resemblance at all to pasties as eaten in Cornwall, except for a superficial similarity of shape? They do not contain any potatoes, turnips or onions and appear to be pre-cooked. Does not he consider that if one seeks to sell a traditional dish under its traditional name, it ought at least to be based on a traditional recipe, of which there are several for pasties, one of which I can quote: Pastry rolled out like a plate, Piled with 'Turmuts, Tates, mate,' Doubled up and baked like fate. That's a Cornish Pasty.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the hon. Member for Woolwich, West (Sir W. Steward) issue a leaflet to hon. Members indicating the dangers to which they may be subject as a result of consuming this remarkable edible?

Mr. S. Silverman

Does the hon. Member for Woolwich, West realise that, as a result of the Government's policy in the last seven years, so many of my constituents have been driven from their homes to the south-west of the country that the art of making Cornish pasties has been lost in Cornwall and they now make Lancashire hotpot instead?

Mr. Hayman

As one who has perhaps eaten more proper Cornish pasties than any other hon. Member, may I ask the hon. Member for Woolwich, West to bear in mind that what is sold downstairs is a complete monstrosity and that I shall be prepared to supply him with a proper recipe, although the resulting article will not be cheap?

Sir W. Steward

I shall be most pleased to receive any valuable information from the hon. Member for Falmouth and Cam-borne (Mr. Hayman), as I shall be pleased to receive any culinary information from my hon. Friend the Member for Truro (Mr. G. Wilson).