§ 65. Dr. HUNTERasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has made any decision in connection with the request which he recently received from a deputation representing the creamery proprietors and wholesale dairymen throughout the country to rescind or amend the Cream Preservative Order?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONAfter careful consideration of all the medical and other evidence available and after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, She Secretary of State regrets that he cannot see his way to authorise the withdrawal or amendment of the provisions of the Preservatives Regulations relating to cream.
§ Dr. HUNTERIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this Order has had a disastrous effect on the cream industry? Does he not think that the decision reached will hasten the industry's ruin, and does he think it justifiable that the public should be robbed of this highly nutritous food?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONAs the hon. Gentleman is aware, we did hear very careful representations made on behalf of the cream industry, but the hon. Gentleman 1146 may not be aware that we have had representations from other sections of the cream industry which have built up a trade under the new Regulations, and that they have protested against the Regulations being cancelled or amended; and, further, the overwhelming weight of medical testimony was against any amendment.
Mr. MACLEANDo we understand that the Regulations of the Scottish Office are made in order to safeguard trade rather than help?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONNo. The Regulations are made primarily in the interests of health.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the Under-Secretary satisfied that the creamery industry can be carried on without these Regulations?