HC Deb 18 June 1931 vol 253 cc1936-7
61. Mr. PERKINS

asked the President of the Board of Trade the value of tinned milk marked unfit for babies imported into this country from foreign sources during the last 12 months?

Mr. GILLETT

Under certain Public Health Regulations condensed skimmed milk imported into this country must be marked "Unfit for babies." Figures of the imports of milk so marked are not available, but the declared value of the total imports of sweetened condensed milk, separated or skimmed, registered as consigned from foreign countries was £2,691,513. The corresponding figure in respect of unsweetened condensed milk, separated or skimmed, cannot be stated.

Mr. PERKINS

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that young children are fed on British fresh milk instead of this foreign milk?

Mr. R. S. YOUNG

Is it not a fact that milk which is marked "Unfit for babies" is really unfit for human consumption; and does not my hon. Friend consider that, as large numbers of poor people buy this milk, they should be protected?

Mr. GILLETT

I think that my hon. Friend must address a question of that kind to the Minister of Health.

Sir G. PENNY

Arising out of the original answer, will the hon. Gentleman try to obtain the figures showing the amount of this product that is imported into this country?

Mr. GILLETT

I will inquire further.