§ Colonel Baldwin-Webbasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he can state the number of instances of bad pool food distributed to retailers in different parts of the country during the last fortnight; and what was the volume, value, and the nature of such consignments which were found to be unfit for human consumption?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydOnly two cases of deterioration of food of the kinds in question have been brought to my notice in the last fortnight, both of dried fruits, details of which are given below. I would point out that at all times, even under normal peace conditions, cases occur of deterioration of foodstuffs.
About 2½tons (two and a half tons) of dates of the 1938 group, weighing about 28 lb. per package, packed in cartons and boxes and therefore difficult to
92WIn answer to the second part of the question, the following table gives in pence per pound the average wholesale prices ex store in the United Kingdom for beef and mutton:
inspect, reached retailers. It is possible that after inspection these dates may be found suitable for manufacture of vinegars or sauces.
A consignment of 35 tons of raisins (value £49 per ton) which was slightly out of condition reached secondary wholesalers and it is possible that a small proportion may have reached retailers. Nearly the whole of this consignment has, however, been recovered and delivered to manufacturers.