HC Deb 23 February 1911 vol 21 cc2067-8
Mr. HUNT

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that the use of borax in the preservation of meat is a criminal offence in America and that borax is allowed to be used in specially marked boxes for exportation to this country from America, he has taken any steps to preserve the health of our people from the bad effects of American meat preserved by borax?

Mr. BURNS

I am advised that, so far as the public health is concerned these matters are sufficiently dealt with by the regulations which have been made under the Public Health (Regulations as to Food) Act, 1907. I do not consider that further steps are at present called for.

Mr. HUNT

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that the American Government marks as fit and wholesome for human food the remainder of the carcases of animals from which parts affected by tuberculosis, malignant tumours, and other diseases have been cut out, he has taken any steps to prevent such meat, either tinned, chilled, or frozen, from being sold for food in this country without due notice to purchasers as to the origin of this meat?

Mr. BURNS

Under the Public Health (Unsound Food) Regulations, 1908, the Medical Officer of Health is empowered to seize any article of food landed within the district which is unsound, unwholesome, or unfit for human consumption. I do not at present think it necessary to make further provisions on the subject I may observe that the rules laid down by the United States Authorities governing the inspection of carcases of cattle intended for export, either inter-state or foreign, are not less stringent than those observed in this country. In the case of the pig the United States standard is less stringent than that obtaining in this country, and, in accordance with the provisions of the Foreign Meat Regulations, American pork, fresh, chilled, or frozen, is only admissible if it comes in the form of the whole carcase, so as to permit of examination for disease.

Mr. HUNT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this country carcases of any animals suspected of tuberculosis or other malignant disease are altogether destroyed; and that under the American Regulations it is not so? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that according to the American Regulations the diseased parts only have to be cut off, and the rest of the carcase is stamped by the American Government as sound and fit for human food?

Mr. BURNS

I have nothing to do with the American Regulations; but this I do know; that there is no country in the world where the Regulations as to the importation of unsound, unfit, and unwholesome food are as stringently administered as in this country.

Mr. HUNT

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that our examiners in this country can tell whether the meat that is sound——

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a subject for debate.