75. Dr. VERNON DAVIESasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that pure milk can be obtained from cows living in cowsheds which are not ideal from the sanitary point of view; and 436 does he propose to insist upon all local authorities in such cases compelling the owners to put their cowsheds in a perfect sanitary condition as judged by modern standards?
§ Miss LAWRENCEMy right hon. Friend is aware that it is possible, by the exercise of sufficient care, to obtain clean milk from cows living in defective cowsheds. But there is more difficulty in producing clean milk if the surroundings are unsatisfactory, and my right hon. Friend is advised that for practical purposes the structural conditions laid down in the Milk and Dairies Order are the minimum that should be required as a basis for the production of clean milk.
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNIs the hon. Lady aware that some of the buildings where this clean milk is being produced, which is certified by her Ministry, are condemned by the local authorities, and will she see that the authorities do not overlap?
§ Miss LAWRENCEAny case that is brought to my right hon. Friend's notice will receive his attention.
76 and 77. Dr. DAVIESasked the Minister of Health (1) of producers of certified and Grade A (T T) milk are judged by the milk produced or by the condition of the cow; and, if this product continues to conform to the required standard, why has he issued an order restricting the movement of such animals if the owners, knowing their responsibilities, wish to do so;
(2) if he has any evidence proving that cows exhibited at agricultural shows have become affected with tubercle at such shows; and, if so, will he lay such evidence before the House in a White Paper?
§ Miss LAWRENCEThe only satisfactory test for tubercle bacillus in milk is one which takes several weeks to carry out and it is therefore necessary, in order to obtain the maximum possible safeguard against the presence of tuberculosis in the milk in question, to lay down conditions as to the testing of the cattle and their isolation from untested animals. When a cow is found to be tuberculous, it is rarely possible to determine how she has become infected, but my right hon. Friend is advised that the association of tested with untested 437 animals at a show involves a risk of infection which he would not be justified in taking in the interests of the consumers to whom he is, in effect, guaranteeing the milk as being of the highest possible purity.
Dr. DAVIESIs the hon. Lady aware that certain people are suspicious that owners of pedigree herds, who are nervous about exhibiting at agricultural shows, have prevailed on the Minister to issue this order, so that other owners who are prepared to exhibit may not possibly reap some advantage from so exhibiting their stock?