Agenised Flour

HC Deb 09 April 1951 vol 486 cc35-6W

37. Mr. Redmayne

asked the Minister of Food in what degree agene-nitrogen trichloride gas is still being used as an improver of flour.

77. Mr. M. Lindsay

asked the Minister of Food whether agenised flour is still in use.

Mr. F. Willey

Exact information is not available, but it is probable that about 90 per cent. of flour used for human consumption is at present treated with nitrogen trichloride.

85. Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-Davenport

asked the Minister of Food what steps have been taken by his Department to give effect to the recommendation of the Joint Committee of the Ministries of Health and Food to the effect that agenised bread should be discontinued; and how many cases of poisoning of human beings through this process has been reported during the last 12 months.

Mr. F. Willey

Agreement has been reached with the milling industry to stop the use of agene and the choice of an alternative improver is under consideration with them. No case of poisoning of human beings through this process has been reported to the Registrar-General during the past 12 months.

Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food if he has considered details, which have been sent to him, about the harmful results of the use of agenised flour; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Webb

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given today to the hon. Member for Dorking (Mr. Touche).