HC Deb 25 October 1920 vol 133 cc1365-6W
Mr. DOYLE

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that, notwithstanding previous explanations and promises, unsound food condemned as being unfit for human consumption continues to be sent into the city of Neweastle-on-Tyne; and if he will give the amount and value of such unsound and condemned food sent into that city during the years 1918 and 1919 respectively, and for the first nine months and for the month of September of the present year?

Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Newcastle East (Major Barnes) on 28th July. I can only repeat that no food in an unsound condition is despatched by the Ministry of Food to the city of Neweastle-on-Tyne or anywhere else. Owing to the efficiency of the local inspection of food supplies, of which the Food Controller heartily approves, a certain quantity is condemned from time to time in course of distribution, but this applies also to other places where the standard of inspection is equally high. As regards the figures asked for in the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

Mr. DOYLE

asked the Minister of Health if he can now give his promised statement as to the amount of unsound food condemned as being unfit for human consumption sent into the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne during the past year; by how much is this amount above or below the average for the rest of the country; and what is the total value of condemned and destroyed unsound food in the United Kingdom during the last year?

Dr. ADDISON

I understand that the amount of food sent into the city of Newcastle-on-Tyne which was condemned in the year 1919 was approximately 300 tons, exclusive of poultry and game. The number of poultry and game was approximately 6,000. I have no information as to the value or amount of unsound food destroyed in the whole of the United Kingdom.

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