§ 50. Lieut.-Colonel RUGGLES-BRISEasked the Minister of Health if, under the regulations governing the use of 1372 chemicals employed in the preservation of imported preserved fruit and fruit pulp in this country, any of the chemicals so used are injurious to health?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the report made in 1924 by the Departmental Committee on Preservatives in Food. The general effect is that nearly all chemical preservatives are injurious or objectionable in some degree, that sulphur dioxide and its compounds—which are the preservatives used in fruit and fruit pulp—are amongst the least objectionable, and that it is necessary on practical grounds to tolerate the use of these preservatives to a limited extent. The regulations which apply equally to imported and home produced fruit are substantially in accordance with the recommendations of the committee.
§ Lieut.-Colonel RUGGLES-BRISEWill the right hon. Gentleman make it obligatory that there shall be a description on every jar of jam saying exactly what ingredients have been used in the production of it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEMay we take it from the right hon. Gentleman that he is of the opinion that sulphur peroxide is injurious, but that he is allowing it?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI think the consumption of bad fruit might be even more injurious.