HC Deb 16 May 1911 vol 25 cc1827-8
Mr. MEYSEY-THOMPSON

asked the President of the Local Government Board (1) if he will state in how many cases have the analyses of milk imported from foreign countries proved unsatisfactory; and what steps have been taken to prevent milk being sold in this country which has either been proved to be impure or which has not been subject to the same degree of inspection as milk produced in this country; and (2) how many analyses of foreign milk imported into this country have been made during the last three years?

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

I will answer these questions together. Some 140 analyses have been made during the past three years of milk imported into this country. Only eight samples were reported against, and proceedings were taken in three cases, in two of which fines were imposed.

Mr. MEYSEY-THOMPSON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether foreign countries have been exporting milk to this country, and whether it is allowed to be consumed here on the analysis which has been made abroad?

Mr. BURNS

The foreign milk imported in this country is mainly used by confectioners, who use it chiefly for the manufacture of milk chocolate. It is superintended on arrival by the medical officers at the ports, and it is frequently inspected on the way, sometimes at Vauxhall and sometimes at Waterloo, both by the local officers and the Local Government Board officers.

Mr. M EYSEY-THOMPSON

May I ask whether the milk can be sold in this country?

Mr. BURNS

Certainly.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Does this analysis include desiccated milk or only liquid milk?

Mr. BURNS

The question refers only to liquid milk.

Captain FABER

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can state whether, having regard to the public health, he will take steps to see that no milk is imported into this country unless its production and inspection are under the same conditions as in this country?

Mr. BURNS

At the present moment the question is not a pressing one, as I understand that milk is not now being imported into this country. I am, however, considering in what way the milk supply of the country, whether imported or home produced, may be further safeguarded.

Captain FABER

How many inspectors have we abroad?

Mr. BURNS

At this moment none. The Local Government Board inspectors sometimes when on holidays keep their eyes open.

Captain FABER

Do they never look after the milk which is sent to this country except when they are on holidays?

Mr. BURNS

No. They look after the milk brought to this country whenever it arrives here.