HC Deb 02 May 1911 vol 25 c196
Captain FABER

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what precautions are taken by his Department to ensure that only pure milk is imported from abroad?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)

Samples of imported milk have been obtained by inspectors of the Foods Department and examined for tubercle and dirt content. Arrangements have also been made for the examination of a further series of samples Perhaps I may also remind the hon. Member that imported milk is liable to examination by the Commissioners of Customs in pursuance of the provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1899.

Captain FABER

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman adheres to the idea of causing cowsheds to be inspected while this foreign milk is coming in?

Mr. BURNS

The hon. Member should not put the question in that way. Immediately milk was imported from France I sent two inspectors to look into the source of supply, and they made investigations as to its purity and freedom from dirt, and they were so satisfied that no complaint is to be made, if that should be what my hon. and gallant Friend suggests.

Captain FABER

Does the French Government allow our inspectors to go anywhere to see the cowsheds at any time?

Mr. BURNS

That is not material to the previous question.

Mr. HUNT

Is the milk from foreign countries inspected for the amount of water and for its quality in the same way as here?

Mr. BURNS

Yes; the Customs officers inspect the imported milk for quality, and the Local Government Board officers for tubercle or other diseases.

Mr. WATT

Is there uniformity of standard in this matter throughout the country?

Mr. BURNS

Uniformity of standard is a very variable element. For details see some of the milk.