§ 53. Sir WALTER PRESTONasked the Minister of Health if he will allow the Ministry's officials during the coming summer to watch carefully cases of ptomaine and food poisoning and, if they find them seriously on the increase, to inquire whether such are due to the absence of preservatives in food which is now enforced?
§ Miss LAWRENCEIt has been the practice of my Department for some years past to inquire into the causes of all food poisoning outbreaks of special interest and this practice will be continued.
Since the Preservatives Regulations came into operation, no cases have been reported in which the outbreak could be attributed to the prohibition of the use of preservatives, and my right hon. Friend is advised that boric acid as formerly used for preservative purposes is ineffective in preventing the development of food poisoning organisms.
§ Sir W. PRESTONWill the hon. Lady inquire of the medical profession, whether there is not a large increase of these cases of ptomaine poisoning?
§ Miss LAWRENCEI have no reason to believe that that is so, but I will look into the matter and communicate with the hon. Member.