§ 21. Mr. MAXTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has been able to assist milk sellers in Scotland to find an alternative preservative for cream in place of those prohibited by the Order which now comes into force?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer is in the negative.
§ Mr. MAXTONHas the right hon. Gentleman had communications from big interests with reference to the loss that is going to be entailed through the failure to provide an alternative for the prohibited preservative?
§ Sir J. GILMOURyes, Sir, I have received representations, but my own view is that this cream can be kept without preservatives and that it is in the interests of the public health. I may add that the Scottish Board of Health is shortly receiving a deputation representing the interests concerned.
§ Mr. MAXTONHas the right hon. Gentleman transmitted to the interests concerned, reasons in support of his view that it can be kept without preservatives?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe interests concerned are fully aware of the fact that cream produced in this country can be circulated to the public without these preservatives.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs my right hon. Friend aware that the opinion expressed by him is contrary to the views held by those engaged in the cream trade?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not the case that the alternative is either cream with a little preservative, or no cream at all?
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price charged for cream is quite sufficient to protect vendors from loss due to depreciation?