§ 31. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions under which tinned salmon is packed by some American firms; whether he is aware that syphilitic and other unclean persons pack the salmon into tins with their hands, and that there is still no adequate inspection as to health and cleanliness; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure the safety of the British working classes who consume this food?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend has not received any reports as to the existence of the conditions mentioned in the question, and lie would be glad if the hon. Member would communicate to the Ministry of Health any information which may be in his possession.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONHas the hon. Gentleman's Department no information regarding the report issued three years ago by the grand jury of Valdez, Alaska, and if he has seen any further report since declaring that the conditions are even worse than they were three years ago?
§ Sir K. WOODAs I have said, my right hon. Friend has not received any report on the matter, and the hon. Member had better send me all the information which he has on the subject.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWould not the best safeguard be to buy salmon canned in Canada?