§ 59. Mr. A. Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the amount and value of food condemned at his Department's food depot situated at Patrick Green, Woodlesford, near Leeds, during the past 12 months.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. J. B. Godber)This depot is 574 used as a clearing house for the routine inspection of old stock. Condemnations have been negligible but my right hon. Friend must adhere to the custom of refusing to give details about our strategic food reserves.
§ Mr. RobertsIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is quite a lot of indignation owing to the wastage of food in that depot? Is it at all possible to prevent such wastage, as I am sure that this House will agree that, when good food goes into a depot, it should be properly attended to, so as to avoid the waste which the Joint Parliamentary Secretary has admitted?
§ Mr. GodberI only wish I could give the figures. If I could, people would realise what a small percentage it is. I realise that there is some, of course, but we seek to avoid it as much as we can. I can certainly give the House the assurance that it is a very small figure indeed.