HC Deb 27 January 1930 vol 234 cc605-6
55. Brigadier-General MAKINS

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has any proof that imported Dutch skimmed-milk cheese is sold in England as genuine English produce?

Mr. N. BUXTON

From reports which have reached my Department from time to time, it appears that prosecutions have been successfully instituted by various local authorities for the sale of Dutch half-milk cheese as full milk cheese. These reports, however, do not indicate whether the sampling officer, when purchasing the sample on which legal proceedings were based, specifically asked for English produce.

Brigadier-General MAKINS

Could not the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to see that consumers do not get this foreign, low-grade cheese foisted upon them?

Mr. BUXTON

It lies with the local authorities to make the necessary inquiries. Prosecutions would have to be taken under Part I of the Merchandise Marks Act of 1926, which, I understand, is very difficult to apply in such cases, though endeavours are made.

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