§ 21. Mr. KELLYasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Eastbourne Local Authority initiated legal proceedings against a local firm of dairymen with respect to insanitary conditions in their dairies contrary to the provisions of the Milk and Dairies Order, and that subsequently the proceedings were withdrawn although the infringement of the Order was not denied; and whether he will take steps to see that the Order is strictly enforced?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the facts stated in the question, but I understand that the summonses were withdrawn in consideration of the defendant paying the costs incurred and taking satisfactory steps (including a change of staff) to ensure that the Order would be complied with in future. While I have no jurisdiction to interfere with the action of the authority taken in a particular case, I may say that the course which was followed in this instance is one which is frequently adopted with advantage by local authorities, especially in the administration of new legal provisions.