HC Deb 08 August 1898 vol 64 c481
MR. CHANNING (Northamptonshire, E.)

I beg to' ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has now considered the portions of the Report of the Tuberculosis Commission dealing with the supply of milk, and the urgent necessity for strengthening and facilitating the operation of the Dairies, Cowsheds, and Workshops Order, 1885–86, with a View to secure uniformity of action and for extending the powers of local authorities to inspect dairies and byres; and whether he will, by administrative order, effect immediately such administrative checks to the mischiefs now existing as are possible, and proceed next Session to ask for the extension of the powers of the Department and of local authorities as are necessary to reduce the risk from tuberculosis in milk to a minimum?

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

The numerous questions which are raised by the Report of the Royal Commission on Tuberculosis are now under consideration, both with regard to administrative orders and to legislation which may be necessary. The evidence has only very recently been delivered.

MR. CHANNING

Can the honourable Gentleman give me any further assurance that the Government is prepared to take action on the recommendation, and on the suggestions of very serious danger from milk to the public health?

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I have told the honourable Gentleman that, both, as regards administration and legislation, the matter is under consideration. I can go no further.