§ 29. Mr. BUXTONasked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of 1996 firms or persons licensed to sell pasteurised milk and the estimated proportion of pasteurised milk to other liquid milk sold in England and Wales?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)The number of pasteurising establishments in England and Wales licensed on 31st March last was 120, and the number of other places licensed for the sale of pasteurised milk at the same date was 573. My right hon. Friend has no definite figures as to the quantity of pasteurised milk as defined by the Milk (Special Designations) Order, sold in England and Wales, but it might be very provisionally put at between 5 and 10 per cent. of the total amount of liquid milk.
§ Mr. BUXTONIn view of the fact that pasteurisation is not common, will the Ministry strictly enforce the Milk Order?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend knows what steps we are taking in this direction.
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNWill the hon. Gentleman do something to reduce the taxes which the people who wish to produce pasteurised milk have to pay, and so encourage its production?
§ Sir K. WOODI am afraid that is not within the scope of my Department.