HC Deb 03 December 1931 vol 260 cc1250-1
49. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the importation last week of milk churns containing foreign imported liquid milk; and what are the medical regulations under which this milk is allowed into this country?

Sir H. YOUNG

Yes, Sir. The regulations in question are the Public Health (Imported Milk) Regulations, and these provide for registration of consignees by the Port Sanitary Authority, and require that imported milk shall not contain more than 100,000 bacteria per cubic centimetre, and shall be free from tubercle bacilli. I may add that samples of the milk referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend are being taken under the regulations.

Brigadier-General BROWN

How do they decide the number of bacteria in the milk if pasteurized milk is allowed to come in? How do they detect them?

Sir H. YOUNG

As I have stated, the actual samples of the milk are taken, and froth them the number of bacilli in the milk is ascertained.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Are these not taken at the port of landing, or where the milk is delivered?

Sir H. YOUNG

They are taken at the place of landing.