HC Deb 03 March 1920 vol 126 cc429-30
43. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

asked the Minister of Health on what date the Milk and Dairies Consolidation Act, 1915, and the Tuberculosis Order of 1913 will come into force; and whether under both the Act and the Order whole-time veterinary surgeons are to be appointed to carry out the required inspections.

Dr. ADDISON

The question of the appointment of whole-time veterinary officers is under consideration in connection with the Bill which it is proposed to introduce to amend the Milk and Dairies Act before bringing that Act into operation. The part of the question relating to the Tuberculosis Order should be addressed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

And are operations to be delayed until the new Bill is brought in?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes, it must be delayed until the modifications proposed in the new Bill are in force.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

And is there any chance of the Bill being brought in this Session?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes, I hope so.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

Is it not the fact that the design of the Milk and Dairies Consolidation Act was to ensure an improvement in the quality and cleanliness of the milk supply, particularly in London, and will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the desirability of putting it into operation at once and bringing in the Amending Bill afterwards?

Dr. ADDISON

I have considered that question, but cannot see my way to do that.