§ MR. RENDALLI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he will introduce legislation in regard to the sale of milk, to provide that where it is apparent to the inspector under the Food and Drugs Act that the producer is responsible for the adulteration, and the distributor has taken the precaution provided for by the Act, the distributor's business shall not be damaged by having his name dragged before the public through the medium of the police court.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSMy hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I will note the suggestion in it for consideration in connection with any legislation for the Amendment of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act; but at present it appears to me that there would be difficulties in adopting the proposal.
§ MR. ALDENWhat does the hon. Gentleman consider to be the object of the Act—the protection of the consumer or of the trader?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSThe object is to protect the consumer. At present the law only applies to the distributor, but I hope before long the producer also will be made liable.