HC Deb 25 April 1929 vol 227 cc1055-6
37. Mr. R. RUSSELL

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has any Return showing the loss to the dairy industry caused by the shrinkage in the demand for fresh cream consequent upon the operation of the order of the Ministry of Health prohibiting the use of preservatives in food and the manufacture of reconstituted or synthetic cream?

Mr. GUINNESS

No, Sir; and I fear that there is no information available which would enable any conclusions to be drawn on the subject.

Mr. RUSSELL

Seeing that this is the result of Government action, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is desirable that his Department should be closely in touch with the trade in order to see the consequences of it?

Mr. GUINNESS

We are in touch with the trade. I do not know whether the hon. Member suggests that it is wrong for the Ministry of Health to take the necessary steps to prevent injury from undesirable treatment.