HC Deb 18 July 1933 vol 280 c1683
60. Sir C. RAWSON

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the report of the Wiltshire county analyst that germs have been discovered in Russian food imports, namely, streptococci in tins of Russian herrings and staphylococci in the case of condensed milk; and whether, in the interests of public health in this country, further imports of these products from Russia can be prohibited?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)

I presume my hon. Friend refers to the report to which publicity was given in February last. From the inquiries then made it appeared that the bacteria found were not of any pathogenic significance and that the condensed milk did not come from Russia. There are, therefore, no sufficient grounds for taking the action suggested in the interests of the public health of this country.

Sir C. RAWSON

Is the hon. Member aware that my inquiry relates to a later case than the one he has mentioned, a case that occurred last week, and that both the milk and the herrings came from Russia?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I will inquire into that case.