HC Deb 17 December 1908 vol 198 c2093
MR. OWEN PHILIPPS (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)

To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that saccharine is coming into more general use in the manufacture of many articles of food; and whether the Government proposes to take any action to safeguard the public against this drug being used in the preparation of articles of food.

(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) Perhaps I may be allowed to answer this Question. My attention has been called to the use of saccharine in food products; but I am not at present in possession of evidence which would warrant Steps being taken with the object of prohibiting its use in all foods on grounds of public health. If, however, cases are brought to my notice in which the nutritive value or genuineness of particular foods has been materially impaired by the substitution of saccharine for sugar, I will consider the matter further.