§ Mr. LUNDONasked whether any further steps have been taken to prevent oil being extracted from Indian meal by large millers; and, in view of the fact that such meal will in all probability be largely used by the poor as human food for the: coming winter, will immediate steps be taken to put a stop to this practice being carried on, and have the meal absolutely free from any extraction process whatever?
§ Mr. DUKEExperiments to test the feeding value of oil-extracted, as compared with whole, maize meal have been carried out by the Department, and the results will shortly be available. Until these results have been considered the Department are not in a position to express any definite opinion on the comparative values of such meals as feeding stuffs. Steps, however, have been, and will continue to be, taken to ensure that millers sell oil-extracted meals under proper descriptions. So far as the question affects human food, samples may be taken by local inspectors under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, with a view to analysis, and proceedings can be instituted if it is found that the article sold is not of the kind demanded by the purchaser.