§ 76. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Health if it has been brought to his notice that the foreign milk now being imported in various forms is often produced under sanitary conditions which would not be tolerated on British farms; and whether he will safeguard the health of the British consumer, and especially the child population, by instituting a standard for imported milk, whether liquid, dry, or condensed?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Alfred Mond)So far as I am aware, the conditions of production of foreign milk which is imported into this country are not worse than those which exist on many British farms. The amount of fresh milk which is imported is insignificant, and the processes to which sterilised, dried and condensed milks are submitted are necessarily such as to minimise the risk of danger to health. All consignments of imported milk or milk products are liable to be inspected at the port of entry and those which are found to be unfit for human consumption are condemned.
§ Mr. HURDHas the right hon. Gentleman any record of recent analyses of these goods to see if they really do come up to the British standard?
§ Sir A. MONDI should want notice of that question.
80. Mr. MALONEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that during the last week, since the reduction of the price of milk, there has been great scarcity of supply, and whether, in view of the importance of milk, especially as a diet for children, he can take any steps to prevent consumers from suffering as a result of what appears to be a quarrel between the farmers' union and the retailers' combines?
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)I am aware that there has been some restriction in the supplies of milk in London. I am having 237 a Conference to-day with both producers and distributors and I will bear in mind the point mentioned by the hon. Member.
Sir A. BOSCAWENI told the House yesterday that I am issuing an agreed statement, and in it will be put the facts that are essential.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIf the right hon. Gentleman, or whoever it may be, attends the Conference to-day, has he any power to compel farmers to deliver the milk instead of feeding it to the cows or putting it down the drains?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI have no power, but I have hopes that an agreement may be arrived at with terms satisfactory to the parties concerned.
§ Lieut-Colonel ASHLEYWould it be desirable that the right hon. Gentleman should have powers to compel people to sell goods below the cost of production?
§ Mr. W. THORNERubbish!
§ Captain MARTINIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Norfolk farmers have been offered 5d. per gallon net for their milk?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI shall be well aware of these facts shortly, as I am going almost immediately to the Conference.