§ 65. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the opinion of his expert advisers, the use of less than 0.20 per cent. of boron trioxide as a preservative in cream is injurious to the health of infants, pregnant women, and invalids; whether the new milk and cream Regulations of his Department permit its use for this purpose; and, if so, in what quantities?
§ Mr. BURNSIn regard to the first part of this question, there is no exact consensus of opinion as to the amount of boron trioxide which may be necessary to produce injurious effects in different persons. The Regulations to which reference is made were not intended to control the amount of preservative which might be added, but only to secure that no preservative should be added to cream without declaration on the label as to the amount. The provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, are available for preventing the use of preservatives to an extent such as to render any article injurious to health.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDoes that mean that if a declaration is made as to the amount used of this particular preservative, it would be passed as permissible by the Local Government Board?
§ Mr. BURNSIf the hon. Member will give me notice I will do my best to reply to that question. But the subject matter of this question is before the High Court, and I should prefer not to answer supplementary questions regarding it.