§ MR. KILBRIDEI beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that foreign bacon imported into this country has been found to contain 0.33 per cent, of boracic acid, and that the French authorities have refused to admit the importation of bacon thus preserved on the ground that it is injurious to health; whether he is aware that the law in Brazil prohibits the use of borax as a food preservative; and whether, in view of the action taken by other Governments, inquiry will be made into the use of borax in the interest of the public health?
THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. CHAPLAIN.) Lincolnshire, SleafordI was not aware of the facts alleged in the first two paragraphs of the Question. I have not yet ascertained how far they are accurate, for the Local Government Board have no direct information on the matter. But I am considering the question of such an inquiry as that suggested by the honourable Member, and, if it should appear to be necessary or desirable in the interests of the public health, it will be my duty to direct it to be made.