36. Viscountess ASTORasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the importation of condensed skimmed milk is prohibited in Cuba, the Bahamas, Chile, Argentine, British Honduras, British East Africa, the Straits Settlements, Italy, and other countries; and why he considers that It is not practicable to take similar steps to prevent the sale in this country of a product which he recognises to be unfit for babies?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My right hon. Friend is aware that the importation of condensed skimmed milk is prohibited in some countries. He is advised that though the absence of fat renders this article unfit for feeding babies, it is not unsuitable for other purposes. Containers in which condensed skimmed milk is sold are at present required to bear the label "Unfit for Babies" and from the point of view of the public health, he sees no grounds, so long as this warning is given, for prohibiting its importation into this country.
Viscountess ASTORWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that many Medical Officers of Health have reported that the label is quite inadequate as a means of ensuring that this condensed skimmed milk is not used for babies? If we are to allow it in at all, could not we get more prominent labels, because this is really a danger in many parts of the country?
§ Sir K. WOODI will look into the question of the label, and see what can be done.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not the case that they buy this skimmed milk because they do not get wages sufficiently high to buy other milk?