§ 58. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the Report published by the medical officer of health for the Borough of Workington, in which it was stated that 79 per cent. of the milk for sale was found to contain cow dung, hairs, and dirt; and will he state what steps his Department is taking to prevent the sale of unclean milk in this district?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My right hon. Friend has seen the report to which the hon. Member refers. The samples mentioned in that report were classified as 31 per cent. clean, 31 per cent. fair and 38 per cent. dirty. In a later report which has been presented to the town council within the last few days, a marked improvement is indicated, the result of an examination of a further set of samples being given as 75 per cent, clean, 12.5 per cent. fair and 12.5 per cent. dirty. My right hon. Friend is assured that the town council, and the other authorities responsible for the administration of the Milk and Dairies Order, are taking all necessary steps to ensure a clean milk supply for the borough.
§ Colonel DAYCan the hon. Gentleman state how many medical officers of health's reports show that unclean milk is being sold?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is a general question. The matter was put to me as a specific case. That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.
§ Colonel DAYHave there not been many complaints made by medical officers of health showing that unclean milk has been sold, as stated in this question?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is entirely a different matter.
§ Mr. HARRISIs the Minister of Health in touch with the Minister of 212 Agriculture in order to endeavour to improve the methods of handling milk on the farms?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, I think——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis question applies to a case at Workington.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIn view of the wilful negligence which the latest inspections have proved to exist, will not the hon. Gentleman's Department insist upon requiring frequent tests being made to compel these people to supply clean milk?
§ Sir K. WOODThe last inspection shows that there is considerable improvement. I have every reason to believe that the town council in question are doing all they can in the matter.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIn view of the fact that since the recent test there has been such a wonderful improvement over a short space of time, does not the hon. Gentleman think that that indicates wilful negligence previously, and does he not think that any possible steps which can be taken ought to be taken to ensure that we have clean milk?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, I do, and I think that this particular council is well aware of the necessity for doing that.
§ Commander WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the standard of purity and quality of British milk is higher than that of any other country in the world?