§ 73. Mr. KINGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps are being taken to preserve the milk supply during the coming winter; whether skilled and experienced men are being taken from the service of cowkeepers; whether the present surplus of milk is being dried or otherwise preserved for winter consumption; whether cream con taining boric acid, sold as unsuitable for infants, is still permitted to be sold; and whether the local authorities are being warned of the danger of increased infant mortality if milk shortage increases?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe total number of cows and heifers in milk and in calf, according to the recent agricultural census, considerably exceeds the corresponding number last year. Representations have been made to the War Office on the subject of taking skilled men from the service of cowkeepers. Factories have been urged to use their utmost endeavours to manufacture dried and condensed milk, and monthly returns are required. There is no prohibition of the sale of cream containing boric acid, the bulk of which conies from Ireland; the sale of fresh cream shows a considerable decrease. It is not thought that the local authorities need to be warned of the dangers referred to in the last part of the question.