§ 62. Mr. HASLAMasked the Minister of Health if he has had any analysis made of bottled or synthetic cream; if he can say of what substances it is composed; and for what period it can be kept before signs of decomposition arise?
§ Sir K. WOODBottled cream has frequently been analysed on behalf of local authorities and my right hon. Friend has no report of any instance in which it has been found to be anything but genuine cream, with or without preservative. Synthetic creams or cream substitutes are usually sold to confectioners under proprietary names and so far as my right hon. Friend is aware are never offered to the general public. Most of the samples of such articles which have been analysed have been found to he emulsions of milk and animal fat, with or without sugar. My right hon. Friend regrets that he has no precise information as to the period for which synthetic cream can be kept before signs of decomposition arise. This would depend on a large number of factors including the composition of the article, its freedom from contamination and the temperature at which it is kept.
§ Mr. HASLAMMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is instituting an analysis into this substance which now seems to be used in such large quantities in food?
§ Sir K. WOODI stated various conclusions which had been drawn from an analysis which had already been made.
§ Major COLFOXHas the Minister any power to prevent synthetic cream from being sold as cream, and to make it compulsory to sell it under some other name?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is another matter altogether. It does nut arise out of this question.