HC Deb 19 July 1934 vol 292 c1254
26. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information to show that the United States of America, or any other countries, prohibit the importation of liquid eggs on grounds of health; and whether he will consider prohibiting their importation to this country on these grounds

Sir H. YOUNG

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Liquid eggs imported into this country and intended for food must be free from preservatives and fit for human consumption, and, subject to those conditions, I am not aware of any reason for prohibiting their importation on grounds of public health.

Lieut.-Colonel AC LAND - TROYTE,

Will my right hon. Friend further consider this matter and carefully examine it to make sure that these eggs are not injurious to health? Fresh eggs are better.

Sir H. YOUNG

I am sure that fresh eggs are very preferable, but the point of concern at the moment is as to what precautions are taken to ensure that eggs are fit for human consumption.

Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWN

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn, to the manufacture of slab cake, one of the chief ingredients of which is Chinese liquid eggs, and will he see that a decent standard of what is fit for human consumption is required?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is not the Ministry standard of what is fit for human consumption a very low one, and is not that evidenced by the fact that dyed herring are allowed to take the place of properly smoked kippers?