§ 19 and 20. Sir WILFRID SUGDENasked the Minister of Health (1) whether, in view of the fact that milk was found to be adulterated and not up to standard by his officers in 1922 in 7.7 per cent. of samples taken, in 1923 in 7.8 per cent., and in 1924 in 7.7 per cent, he will take steps to reduce this high percentage of adulteration;
(2) whether, in view of the high percentage of adulteration or not up to standard of general food products,-namely, 59 per cent., discovered by his officers during 1924 and its consequences on our population, he will take further steps to ensure the purity of food products?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe general question of food adulteration is engaging my attention, and I am about to issue Regulations designed to give effect to the principal recommendations of the recent Departmental Committee. I may also remind my hon. Friend that as regards milk, additional powers of sampling are contained in the Milk and Dairies (Con- 1531 solidation) Act, 1915, which will come into operation on the 1st September next.
Major DAVIESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the present Regulations it is possible, when milk is adulterated in transit, for the farmer to be made responsible?