HC Deb 19 November 1936 vol 317 cc1907-8
52. Captain CUNNINGHAM - REID

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the desirability of promoting legislation both to provide for the marketing of canned goods with an indication of the date and place of preparation, and to prohibit the sale of such canned goods beyond safe periods?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

My right hon. Friend has considered this question, but, having regard to the administrative difficulties involved, he is not satisfied that the advantage to the public health would be sufficient to justify the adoption of the measures suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Mr. LESLIE

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that cut-price shops are in the habit of buying up old stocks of this kind and putting fresh labels on it, to the detriment of the public?

Mr. HUDSON

If the hon. Member has evidence of any such cases, perhaps he would let me have it.

Captain CUNNINGHAM-REID

What is the average safe period for canned goods?