§ 64. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Minister of Health whether there is any examination of butter imported into Great Britain for sale; and what are the general regulations governing the sale of butter?
§ Miss LAWRENCEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Butter which is exposed for sale may be seized and destroyed if found to be unfit for human consumption. Samples are taken by officers of the local authorities under the Food and Drugs (Adulteration) Act and the Sale of Butter Regulations, and the vendor is liable to prosecution if there is evidence of adulteration.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELIs there no watch kept at the ports on behalf of general hygiene and is no action taken there on the initiative of the Ministry itself?
§ Miss LAWRENCENo. Butter is not examined at the ports. We proceed under the Food and Drugs Adulteration Act.
§ Mr. SAMUELDoes the hon. Lady not think that a bacteriological examination at the ports would be desirable?
§ Captain MACDONALDIs it not a fact that the regulations do not prevent butter imported into this country, save from Russia, being mixed with home-produced butter before it is sold?
§ Miss LAWRENCEThe regulations of the Ministry of Health do not prevent the mixing of butter as long as it conforms to the prescribed standard.