HC Deb 25 February 1926 vol 192 cc697-8
55. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

asked the Minister of Health the number of producers holding licences to sell certified grade A (tuberculin tested) and grade A milk, respectively; and the number of cows whose product is sold under each designation, respectively?

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

I regret that owing to loss of voice my right hon. Friend is unable to answer his questions to-day. The numbers of producers' licences for certified and grade A (tuberculin tested) milk in operation in England and Wales at the present time are 96 and 97 respectively. The number of such licences for grade A milk on the 31st March, 1925 (the latest date for which figures are available) was returned at 110. The numbers of cows in the herds producing the first two grades of milk are approximately 3,500 and 3,800 respectively. No precise information is available as to grade A herds, but I am advised that the number of cows in such herds may be roughly estimated at 2,000 to 2,500.

Mr. MARCH

Is it a fact that the Ministry of Health are discouraging the using of grade A milk in any way?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir; I have no knowledge of that.

56. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

asked the Minister of Health the number of firms or persons licensed to sell pasteurised milk and the estimated quantity sold annually of such milk?

Sir K. WOOD

Licences for the sale of pasteurised milk are issued by local authorities. The latest available returns are those of licences in force on the 31st March, 1925, and they give the number of pasteurising establishments as 62 and of other premises licensed to distribute as 370. I have not complete information as to the total quantity of milk which is being sold in England and Wales at the present time as pasteurised, but I am advised that, on a rough estimate, it may be taken to be between 15 and 20 million gallons per annum.

Captain WATERHOUSE

How often are the premises of these firms inspected by the representatives of the Ministry of Health?

Sir K. WOOD

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.