§ Mr. NIELDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Controller on or about the 14th May last gave a certificate, that the supply of a new maize disintegrator machine to Messrs. Dobell and Company, Limited, of Uxbridge, was a matter of urgent national importance; if so, on what evidence did he base this conclusion, and what new or additional evidence did he receive, and when, to cause him to recall or alter his opinion; is he aware that for six weeks the public have been limited in their supply of maize flour by the departmental delays of his own Department and the Ministry of Munitions during which the machine has remained at the railway station; and will he say what action he now" proposes to take?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo certificate was ever given by the Food Controller, but a machine of the nature indicated was recommended for priority. Subsequent inquiry showed that the precise machine was altogether out of proportion to the total output of the firm. As regards the last part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer given last Monday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions.