§ 51. Mr. LAMBasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the increasing sale of tinned imported sterilised cream which contains less than 25 per cent. of butter fat as against 50 per cent. of butter fat in fresh cream; whether he has had any tests made of the food value of such imported sterilised cream, and, if so, with what 954 results; whether he has noted cases where imported sterilised cream is being sold as rich dairy cream; and whether he is taking any steps to bring the matter to the notice of local authorities with a view to their instituting prosecutions in ally case where the public interest is being prejudiced by such sales?
§ Sir G. HENNESSYMy right hon. Friend is aware that imported tinned cream usually contains a substantially lower percentage of milk fat than much of the fresh cream sold in this country. My right hon. Friend has not had any tests made of the relative nutritive values of various kinds of cream, as he is advised that the nutritive value varies directly with the fat content of the cream. My right hon. Friend's attention has not hitherto been drawn to the sale of imported sterilised cream as rich dairy cream. He has no reason to suppose that food and drugs authorities are unaware of the facts as to the fat content of tinned cream, but in the absence of any legal standard for cream, it appears doubtful whether proceedings could be successfully taken under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act in such cases as those to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Mr. HURDWill the Minister ask the Food Council to consider not alone the prices of commodities but also food values as bearing upon prices?
§ Sir G. HENNESSYI will convey the hon. Member's request to my right hon. Friend.