HC Deb 11 July 1918 vol 108 cc514-5W
Mr. TICKLER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that, owing to the importation of French fruit having been placed in the hands of people acting under the direction of the Food Controller's Department, and owing to mismanagamenet, 60 tons of French black currants arriving last week were condemned as unfit for food; and will he take prompt measures to allow this business to be done through the ordinary channels of trade, and thereby prevent the waste of food?

Mr. PARKER

I understand that some 60 tons of French black currants became unfit for food owing to delay in transit, which occurred before they reached this country. There is no ground for supposing that this delay was due to any mismanagement on the part of the buyers, and it is not proposed to alter existing arrangements.