§ 59. Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS (for Mr. C. S. TAYLOR)asked the Minister of 460 Health whether he is aware of the practice among retail butchers and fishmongers of purchasing old newspapers, which may be contaminated and carriers of disease, for the purpose of wrapping up meat or fish sold in retail shops; and whether he will take steps to make this practice illegal and ensure the use of clean grease-proof paper for these purposes?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend is aware of this practice, which on general grounds of cleanliness is to be deprecated, but he is advised that there is no definite evidence that the wrapping of meat or fish in newspapers is a factor in the spread of disease, and he would not therefore be justified in taking the steps suggested by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWould my hon. Friend ask his technical experts to find out what is the effect, of wrapping fish and chips in the "Daily Herald"?
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESMay not the practice of using these newspapers to wrap up fish be necessary in case the purchasers wish to use them as reading matter?