§ 57. Sir J. D. REESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, since the use of saccharine, saxine, and the like preparations has now increased to a hitherto unprecedented degree, and is likely further to increase, the Government will obtain and make public the considered opinion of its advisers in the Department of Public Health as to their harmless or harmful character?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have been asked to reply. I am advised that there is no foundation for the suggestion that the use of saccharine as a sweetening substance is likely to prove injurious to health. The investigations made in 1911 for the United States Department of Agriculture have established the harmlesness of saccharine when taken in ordinary quantities. Doses up to 5 grains daily, i.e., fifteen times the strength of the usual tabloid, were found during long periods to cause no disturbance whatever of digestion or detriment to health in normal adults. A recent report of the Royal Society stated, however, that evidence is lacking as to whether saccharine is equally harmless to children, also that it is in no sense a food, but merely a flavouring agent. The conclusion would seem to be that 1538 sugar should be given to children, while saccharine, may be quite safely taken in moderate quantities by healthy adults in tea, coffee; and mineral waters.
§ Sir J. D. REESDoes that apply also to saxine?
§ Mr. CLYNESI understand so.
§ Sir C. HENRYWhen will the increased supply of saccharine be forthcoming?
§ Mr. CLYNESI understand it is largely dependent upon machinery and transit.