HC Deb 20 June 1895 vol 34 cc1524-5
SIR MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbright)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture if he can inform the House what precautionary measures, if any, are adopted by Holland, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, or other foreign or colonial countries for the disinfecting of dairy produce imported into this country; and what security this country has for immunity from disease from receiving such produce?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. G. J. SHAW-LEFEVRE, Bradford, Central)

I have no information that any measures of disinfection are applied to dairy produce either in any of the countries specified or in this country, nor am I aware how disinfection could be applied to many articles of dairy produce. In some countries, however, milk is at times sterilised before distribution and use.

SIR MARK STEWART

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman proposed to make inquiries into this important matter, and whether the Government proposed to introduce any measure upon the subject?

MR. SHAW-LEFEVRE

said, that the Government had no present intention of introducing such a measure as the hon. Gentleman suggested.

MR. R. W. HANBURY (Preston)

asked whether the Government would not extend the same protection to the people of this country which was given to the countries mentioned in the question on the Paper?

MR. SHAW-LEFEVRE

said, that that was a matter of argument.