HC Deb 22 June 1953 vol 516 cc120-1W
104. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Minister of Food why certain shipments of concentrated orange juice from Sicily, purchased by his Department in 1951 which were found contrary to specification, were accepted; if he will state the date on which the shipments arrived; the percentage of each shipment which was accepted; and the dates on which payment was made.

Major Lloyd George

Standard tests were applied to these shipments but following the practice of many years these did not include tests for the presence of preservatives which were later found to have been added: 18 shipments were made in 1951, 36 in 1952. 80 per cent. of the purchase price was drawn by the shippers at the time of shipment. 18 shipments have not been accepted and the balance of 20 per cent. has not been paid.