HC Deb 12 February 1931 vol 248 c584
79. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Minister of Health whether, as under the Milk and Dairies Order, 1926, the sale of milk from tubercular cows for human consumption is forbidden, he will introduce legislation securing similar precautions with regard to imported milk products?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Under the Imported Milk Regulations, 1926, imported milk must be free from tubercle bacilli. As regards milk products, I am advised that there is not the same risk from the presence of tubercle bacilli as in the case of milk, and that imported products are in fact no more likely to be infected than milk products of home manufacture. I will, however, consider whether any further measures should be taken to safeguard the public against the risk of tuberculosis from the consumption of milk products.

Mr. LAMBERT

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly tell me whether the regulations for the control of imported milk are being carried out?

Mr. GREENWOOD

So far as I aim aware they are, but, if my hon. Friend has information showing that it has not been done, I shall be glad to receive it.

Lord EUSTACE PERCY

Did I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that there was not the same danger "from the presence" of the bacilli or "of the presence"?

Mr. GREENWOOD

"From the presence of."

Lord E. PERCY

Is not the bacillus just as dangerous, whatever the medium by which it is conveyed?

Mr. GREENWOOD

It is the "presence" of the microbe.