§ 82 and 83. Captain RAMSAYasked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that reports made by competent analysts to the Scientific Poultry Breeders' Association declare that Chinese eggs, in whatever form they reach this country, are contaminated with excremental bacteria, within three days become putrefying at a temperature of 45 to 50, and are unhygienic as a food; and whether he will take steps to see that such imports are stopped forthwith;
(2) whether he is aware that there is widespread dissatisfaction, not only 1947 among poultry keepers, but with the consuming public, at the importation of eggs from China in a condition which has been declared unhygienic by competent analysts; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the names and addresses of all firms taking delivery of these eggs shall be published in the local newspapers?
§ Sir K. WOODRepresentations were made to my Department earlier in the year respecting frozen eggs from China, which included references to the reports mentioned by my hon. Friend. Examinations of a number of samples were specially made by the Department, in which no disease-producing organisms were detected, and the other kinds of bacteria found were such as commonly occur in other articles of food.
§ Captain RAMSAYIn view of the fact that the public would be unwilling to consume these eggs if they knew the origin of them, can any other steps be taken to protect the public against being supplied with such eggs unawares?
§ Sir K. WOODI am afraid that the allegations of my hon. and gallant Friend are not borne out by the information in the possession of my Department.