§ 34. Mr. WESTWOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health if he has received a communication from Messrs. James Proctor and Sons, Limited, barley millers, Liverpool, offering documentary evidence that the Ministry of Health (Food Preservatives) Regulations, in their application to the use of sulphur dioxide in the bleaching and preserving of barley, has completely stopped their trade and that their previous buyers have placed their orders with foreign firms; and is he aware that regulations prohibiting the use of sulphur dioxide in the milling of barley were at one time enforced in Germany and America, and in both countries have had to be withdrawn because of their impracticability; and will he be prepared to meet a deputation of millers to discuss the effects of these Regulations on the barley milling trade in England and Scotland?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received the communication referred to in the first part of the question. I am aware that the use of sulphur dioxide in the milling of barley is at present permitted in Germany and the United States of America, but I have no information to show that the prohibition of its use in those countries was attempted and abandoned because it is impracticable. The fact that exporters of barley to this 1157 country are able to comply with our Regulations scarcely bears cut that suggestion. As regards the last, part of the question, I would remind the hon. Member that two deputations from the barley trade have already been received and that full consideration has been given to their representations. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the reception of a third deputation.
§ Mr. WESTWOODWere these deputations received by the Minister or the Parliamentary Secretary, or merely by officials of his Department?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have received so many deputations that I do not really recollect who received them.
§ Mr. WESTWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman accept it from me that it was his officials?
§ Mr. WESTWOODUnder the circumstances, will the Minister be prepared to meet a deputation, instead of leaving it to the officials, against whom they have no complaint?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe fact that the deputations were received by the officials of the Department does not mean that the representations made to them did not come to my personal notice. They did, and I have gone into the question. It is because I do not think that I am likely to change my mini that I say I do not think there will be any useful purpose in receiving another deputation.
§ Mr. WESTWOODIn view of the new facts that have arisen, showing that it is detrimental to our trade, will not the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to meet a deputation?
§ Mr. E. BROWNIf the right hon. Gentleman is not willing to receive a deputation, will he consult with the Secretary of State for Scotland as to representations being made to him by Scottish bodies on the subject?