Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies. – in the House of Commons at on 19 November 1941.
Sir William Davison
, Kensington South
asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the public uncertainty and different views as to whether or not any deterioration of foodstuffs in tins which have been stored for a considerable time can easily be detected when the tins are opened, or whether deterioration dangerous to health may be imperceptible to eye, nose or tongue; and whether he can give any guidance to the public in this matter?
Major Lloyd George:
I am glad to have an opportunity of saying that, provided they are stored under suitable conditions, canned foods such as are now being distributed remain sound indefinitely. My Noble Friend will consult my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health as to the desirability of providing advice for the benefit of the public generally on this matter.
Sir William Davison
, Kensington South
Am I right in thinking that canned foods are quite as safe as or safer than ordinary foods, and that unless the food had some toxin in it when it was put into the can, it will not acquire a dangerous character through simply being in the can?
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
