HC Deb 10 May 1927 vol 206 cc205-6
41. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state why producers of Grade A tuberculosis tested and certified milk, whose produce is already under the supervision of ministerial officials, are now to be brought, with other producers of milk, under the further control imposed by the Milk and Dairies Order, 1926?

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

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misconception in supposing that any change is now being made. Producers of the higher grades of milk have always been subject to the statutory requirements applying to milk producers generally, and this would seem to be no more than fair and reasonable.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Why is it necessary to have two sets of officials to achieve the same object, the production of cleaner milk? Why do these producers who are inspected by one set of officials have to comply with the regulations of another set?

Sir K. WOOD

I do not think that is the case. The producers of this class of milk have always been under the same regulations as the other class.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Will the hon. Gentleman make himself acquainted with the way in which the Milk and Dairies Order is being carried out? I can bring a case to his notice where a man producing this class of milk is required to comply with the other Orders, and it costs a lot of money.

Mr. EVERARD

Is it not a fact that although English dairy produce comes under this Order, milk imported into this country is not subject to similar legislation?

Sir K. WOOD

That is another matter altogether.