HC Deb 04 June 1931 vol 253 cc338-9
21. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health what steps have been taken to ensure that the butter imported into this country from Soviet Russia during the past month is analytically pure and is packed under hygienic conditions?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on this subject on the 2nd June to the hon. and gallant Member for Maldon (Colonel Ruggles-Brise), of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. SMITHERS

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the statement in the newspaper this morning about a foreign body in the butter which has arrived?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Yes, I saw that in this morning's newspaper.

Mr. SMITHERS

Are you going to take any action?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Yes, Sir.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE (by Private Notice)

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any statement to make concerning the report of Mr. Warburton, the official zoologist representing the School of Agriculture at Cambridge, in reference to a foreign body designated as a "parasite" discovered by him in a sample of Russian butter purchased in Cambridgeshire, and whether there is any danger of infection from such foreign body contained in an article of food?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I have no information on the subject except what has appeared in the Press. I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the seriousness of what has occurred? Does he realise the possibility of infection being conveyed into this country by Asiatic parasites which are entirely new and are a revelation even to the authorities?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I have no knowledge myself that one dead parasite could cause much harm to anyone.

Mr. GUINNESS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult with the Minister of Agriculture as to whether this may not be a case of bringing into force the power of prohibiting an import, just as he does in the case of maggotty cherries, which are far less objectionable or dangerous?

Mr. GREENWOOD

That is one of the matters into which inquiry is being made.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Do these parasites breed in mares' nests?