§ SIR F. CHANNINGTO ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has considered the statements in the Report of Dr. W. Collingridge, Medical Officer of Health of the City of London, as to the dangerously dirty and infectious character of samples of milk, and as to the increasing percentage of unsatisfactory samples; and whether he can and will take immediate steps, and by administrative orders or by representation to local authorities concerned, to provide some temporary check or remedy to these evils pending the passing of the legislation promised.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I have not at present received a copy of the Report referred to. I am, however, aware of its general purport, and I have asked for a copy of the Report itself. The Local Government Board have steadily pressed upon local authorities and especially upon rural district councils the importance of bringing about more cleanly and efficient methods in connection with the supply of milk. This they have done by correspondence, by calling for special Reports from medical officers of health in particular cases, and in many instances by causing inspection of rural districts to be made by their own medical staff, in which attention has been given to this matter. It does not appear to me that any immediate administrative action could with advantage be taken, but I trust that the effect of the Bill, which I hope to introduce, will be to secure more satisfactory control over the milk supply of the country.