§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked in how many cases during the past twelve months have analyses been made of dried milk or milk powder imported into this country; in how many cases has such analysis disclosed the existence of impurity or disease; and whether any and, if so, what steps are taken to ascertain the conditions under which such commodity is manufactured and to what extent, if at all, cow's milk enters into its constitution?
§ Mr. BURNSI understand that during the past twelve months, twenty-three samples of milk powder have been taken at ports by Customs officials and examined at the Government laboratory. In every case the analysis showed that the powder consisted of genuine cow's milk, either whole or machine-skimmed, from which nearly the whole of the water had been removed by evaporation, leaving the milk solids in a practically dry condition. All the samples were examined for preservatives, but none were found. I may add that, with a view to ascertaining the liability or otherwise of dried milk to contain deleterious organisms, investigations are in progress in regard to a process largely employed in the preparation of dried milks of home and foreign origin.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTCan the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent the cream or butter-fat of the milk has been extracted?
§ Mr. BURNSI think the hon. Member must await the result of the examination which is being made. The report on a matter like that would certainly be presented to the House.