§ Mr. HAMILTON BENNasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has any information in regard to the formaldehyde process, which is largely used in preserving chilled meat in transit; whether his attention has been directed to the Food Report, No. 9, to the Local Government Board, showing its dangerous effects; and whether he is taking any and, if so, what, steps to prohibit its use in connection with meat imported into this country?
§ Mr. BURNSThe subject is one which has been carefully investigated by my Department, and detailed information regarding the process is contained in the published Report referred to. That Report showed that the process had been used in such a way as to introduce material quantities of formaldehyde into the meat. To this there is serious objection, but I am advised that it is not essential to the process, and I have been in communication with the importers concerned with a view to a limitation in the amount of formaldehyde employed. Recent samples have shown a marked improvement in this respect. The process remains under careful observation, and in present circumstances it does not seem necessary to take steps to prohibit its use.