HC Deb 05 March 1940 vol 358 cc232-3W
Mr. Levy

asked the Secretary of State for War what measures are being taken to prevent waste in the provision of food and other supplies for the troops; and whether he will consult with the Minister of Agriculture on the utilisation of waste from Army kitchens and catering establishments for the production of pig food?

Mr. Stanley

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to-day to my hon. Friend the Member for Hallam (Mr. Jennings). With regard to the second part, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is represented on the Interdepartmental Messing By-Products Advisory Committee, which deals with the disposal of fats, bones and swill.

Sir J. Leech

asked the Secretary of State for War why wastage of food is, only now, being considered in particular relation to the special system which prevented food wastage in the last war, instead of it having already been put into operation; and, in view of the loss caused by this delay, will he order a special inspection of the home camps with a view to seeing that there is now no avoidable waste?

Mr. Stanley

If my hon. Friend is referring to the appointment of inspectors in 1916, catering inspectors were appointed before the outbreak of the present war, and their numbers have been considerably increased since. Every endeavour is being made to obviate avoidable waste.