§ 64. Mr. de ROTHSCHILDasked the Minister of Health whether he will reconsider the proposal to lower the cleanliness standard of tuberculin-tested milk by substituting the methylene blue test for the plate count for bacteria?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend is advised that the standard of cleanliness which it is proposed to apply to tuberculin tested milk by means of the methylene blue test is substantially the same as that applied at present by the plate count, and that the new test gives more reliable and consistent results. My right hon. Friend does not at present see any reason for abandoning it, but it is not proposed to bring it into operation until next year and he will be prepared to make any adjustments in the method of carrying it out which experience may show to be desirable.
§ 65. Mr. de ROTHSCHILDasked the Minister of Health whether in view of the health value of pure clean raw milk, and in view of the high standard of cleanliness of tuberculin-tested milk, he will reconsider the proposal to, institute a separate grade of tuberculin-tested pasteurised milk, in order not to restrict the market for the highest grades of pure raw milk by fostering the idea that the safety of even tuberculin-tested milk would be enhanced by pasteurisation?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend is giving consideration to this matter in the preparation of the new Special Designations Order.
§ 66. Mr. JOHNSTONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the report of the Medical Research Council for 1934 to 1935, just, issued, urging the importance of the consumption of more liquid milk by pre-school children and nursing mothers; 31 and whether he will consult with the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture with a view to immediate steps being taken to give effect to this recommendation?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend intends to give full consideration to this report in consultation with my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONCan the hon. Gentleman give any indication when I could usefully put a question as to what results are likely to accrue from this consultation?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI am afraid that I could not.