§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food the quantity of supplies now lying in premises requisitioned for emergency purposes; of what they consist; to what extent they have deteriorated; and if he will take disciplinary action against those responsible.
§ Sir B. SmithI assume the hon. Member refers to foods stored for emergency feeding purposes. On 31st October, 1945, 1,844 tons were still held in emergency stores. The stocks consist of tea, sugar, cocoa, welfare biscuits and canned milk, soup, beans, meat roll, corned beef, margarine and rice pudding. During the 12 months ended30th September, 1945, when the stocks were much larger and were in the emergency stores, 1.36 per cent. of the samples examined was found to be in various stages of deterioration. In a few instances when negligence has been proved appropriate disciplinary action has been taken. Since at the peak period over 95,000 tons of emergency feeding stocks were stored at some 28,000 storage points, I am well pleased that so little food has been affected by its prolonged storage.