HC Deb 03 March 1927 vol 203 c560
55. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Health whether the information in his. Department shows that the butter and cheese imported from countries where bovine tuberculosis and other diseases are rife convey no less risk to the consumer than the milk from which they are made; and what steps are being taken by securing access for British inspectors to foreign dairies or otherwise to give British consumers a protection from disease in the case of foreign products similar to that provided by the Milk and Dairies Order in the case of British home products?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I know of no scientific evidence showing that bovine tuberculosis and other diseases are spread by the consumption of imported butter and cheese, and in these circumstances I do not think it necessary to attempt to secure facilities for the supervision of foreign dairies by British inspectors. As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte), on the 24th ultimo, imported butter and cheese are subject to inspection both at the ports and at the time exposure for sale.

Mr. HURD

Does the right hon. Gentleman attach importance to that inspection from the point of view of this question?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir.