§ 41. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest expert advice he has received from the Food Standards Sub-Committee about the practice of adding chalk to flour; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoyThe latest advice from the Food Standards Committee was contained in the Report on Bread and Flour which was published in 1960.
§ Mrs. ButlerSince millers and bakers see no need, at the present extraction rate, for adding chalk, and since it is extremely difficult to get even distribution and consumers would welcome removal of the additive, is there not a case for a fresh look at the Regulations to see whether they can be changed?
§ Mr. HoyThe Regulation concerned is contained in the Bread and Flour Regulations, 1963. The object is mainly to ensure that children and the elderly get enough calcium. Expert advice is to keep on this requirement pending further inquiries.