§ MR. DE TATTON EGERTON (Cheshire, Knutsford)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, in view of the inefficient carrying out of the Food and Drugs (1875) Act and Amendment Act, and to the unsatisfactory results of prosecutions undertaken under their provisions, whether he will grant a Select Committee to inquire into the whole subject, with a view to suggesting such amendment of the Acts as will render them more workable and efficient?
§ *MR. H. H. FOWLERAs the hon. Member is no doubt aware, a Bill for the amendment of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts is now before the House, and the Government propose to concur in the Second Reading of that Bill on the understanding that it will be referred to a Select Committee of the House. If this course is adopted, the main purpose for which a Select Committee to consider the operation of the Acts would be appointed would to a large extent be secured.
§ MR. DE TATTON EGERTONWill the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to allow a Committee to go into the whole subject, seeing that the Bill does not cover a great many questions of serious importance?
§ *MR. H. H. FOWLERThat will be secured by the Reference to the Select Committee, which will have power after taking evidence to introduce into the Bill such other clauses as may be deemed necessary. The adoption of the course suggested by the hon. Gentleman would only have the effect of deferring till another year legislation on the subject, and that the Government is not prepared to do.