HC Deb 09 March 1925 vol 181 cc930-1
62. Mr. HARDIE

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that on page 19, paragraph 59, of the Final Report on Preservatives and Colouring Matters in Food it is stated that it is evident that individuals may consume quite considerable quantities of preservatives in the course of an ordinary day's diet and that it is easy to imagine a reasonable meal which might contain 20 or even more grains of boric acid besides other preservatives; and will he state whether, in the opinion of his official adviser, the effects of 20 grains of boric acid are good or bad for the average individual consumer?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

My right hon. Friend is aware of the statement referred to by the hon. Member. He is advised that the continued consumption of such quantities of boric acid as those mentioned would be likely to have a deleterious effect.

Mr. HARDIE

Have steps been taken in the factories to see that that acid or another is not being used without the knowledge of those in charge of the Department?

Sir K. WOOD

Yes. Regulations are now being drafted in order to deal with the matter raised by the hon. Member.

Mr. HARDIE

Yes, but what I am asking is whether, while Regulations are being drafted, it is not a fact that to-day you are having not only this boric acid used in mixtures with sulphuric fumes, but you are having also men in shops, having no knowledge, dusting supposed preservatives on food?

Sir K. WOOD

Yes, and that is why these, Regulations are being drafted, in order to put an end to it.

Mr. HARDIE

But can nothing be done until the printer gets the Regulations done to prevent this going on?