§ 36. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Minister of Health what steps his department takes to prevent the use in this country of eggs, liquid and in shell, imported from China, produced by hens kept under insanitary conditions, and unfitted for human consumption?
§ 41. Mr. OSWALD LEWISasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that the Chinese eggs imported into this country are in all respects fit for human consumption?
Sir H. YOUNGI would refer to the answer on this subject given on the 11th February to my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Sir P. Hurd), and to another answer I am giving, copies of which I am sending to my hon. Friends.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs the Minister aware that something like 700,000,000 Chinese eggs produced by hens fed under the most loathsome conditions are annually brought into this country, and can they be fit for human food?
§ Mr. LAMBERTBut has the right hon. Gentleman any knowledge of how these hens are fed in China?
Mr. WESTDoes the right hon. Gentleman not consider that on health grounds alone the importation of these eggs ought to be prohibited, and will he not consider the desirability of publishing a list of the British importers of these eggs?
Sir H. YOUNGA very careful watch is being kept on the subject. The hon. Member will hear from the answer that there is no positive evidence of danger to health.
§ Mr. THORNEMay we have some of these eggs in the refreshment room, so that we can test for ourselves whether they are fresh or not?
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXWill the right hon. Gentleman lay some of these eggs on the table of the House?