§ 74. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that it is proposed to sell as milk in London and elsewhere a liquid prepared from a species of soya bean, having the appearance and, to some extent, the 1609 flavour of cow's milk, but not possessing its nutritive or other qualities; whether the Board have powers and, if so, under what Statute, to prevent the sale of such a product under the misleading denomination of milk; and, if so, whether it is proposed to exercise such powers?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELI am aware of the product to which the hon. Member refers, but I am not prepared to express an opinion as to its nutritive qualities. If an article which is not milk is sold under that name it would be open to local authorities to take proceedings under the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts against the vendor.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTis there in the right hon. Gentleman's Department a clear definition as to what milk is?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELThat is a question of law, and for the interpretation of the Courts. But I should imagine that no Court would consider that the product of a bean was milk.