HC Deb 08 May 1924 vol 173 cc625-6
59. Mr. SIMON

asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the responsibility of the local authorities for safeguarding the cleanliness and purity of the nation's milk supply, he will add an adequate number of representatives of the local authorities to the newly-appointed Milk Advisory Committee, on which they have at present not a single representative?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The Committee was originally appointed to act as an advisory body on questions relating to the technique of production, handling and distribution of milk as they affect the dairy industry. As at present constituted, the Committee consists mainly of representatives of the various branches of the industry. It is thought desirable that representatives of dairy workers and of consumers should be added, but my right hon. Friend does not think it would be practicable to include representatives of local authorities. He assures the hon. Member that the fullest consideration will always be given to the views of local authorities on all questions affecting the cleanliness and purity of milk.

Mr. SIMON

Is it not a most extraordinary thing that in regard to a question like the milk supply, which is under the control of the Ministry of Health, the Milk Advisory Committee is without a single representative of the local authorities upon it?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The Advisory Committee is appointed jointly by the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Health, and the primary purpose of the Committee is to deal with the question of the production and the distribution of milk. Questions affecting the local authorities are important, but they are not quite in the same category, and do not arise in connection with this matter

Mr. SIMON

In view of the fact that the reply is so unsatisfactory, will the hon. Gentleman reconsider this question?

Mr. GREENWOOD

There is a difficulty about this matter. I have already stated that we intend to add considerably to the representation on the Committee, but if we have to extend it still further it would mean putting on representatives of various classes of local authorities with varying powers as regards public health.