58. Lieut.-Colonel Sir MERVYN MAN-NINGHAM-BULLERasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the recent discovery by a county analyst of harmful bacteria in imported tins of Russian herrings and in condensed milk; and whether periodical analysis of such imported goods are undertaken by his Department or what steps are taken to check the imports of impure tinned goods?
Sir H. YOUNGI understand that certain brands of herrings and condensed milk have recently come under suspicion and I am making urgent inquiries into the matter. In answer to the second part of the question, imported foods are examined by the local authorities at the ports of entry, and, together with home-produced articles, also by inland local authorities.
§ Mr. CHARLES BROWNCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that these are not red herrings?
§ 60. Mr. DREWEasked the Minister of Health whether in view of the fact that recent samples of Russian condensed milk have been found to contain bacillus staphylococci, he will take steps to prevent the importation of Russian condensed milk in the future?
Sir H. YOUNGI understand that certain brands of imported condensed milk have recently come under suspicion, and I am making urgent inquiries into the matter. I may add that the presence of staphylococci in condensed milk does not necessarily make it injurious to health.