HC Deb 26 November 1936 vol 318 cc543-5
32. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the report sent him from the Institute for Dairying who found that a disturbingly high proportion of pasteurising plants, both in London and elsewhere, were producing improperly pasteurised milk; and what steps he is taking to make pasteurisation effective?

Sir K. WOOD

I am aware of the statements made in the report referred to, which relates to the period ended 30th from pneumonia and emphysema for each year from 1930 to 1935 in the counties of Carmarthen, Brecon, Glamorgan and Monmouth; and the comparative rate for England and Wales in the same periods?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

Separate figures for emphysema are not available. I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate the figures relating to pneumonia in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following are the figures:

September, 1935. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hitchin (Sir A. Wilson) on this subject on 19th November, of which I am sending him a copy.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Is it not time the Minister took some more drastic measures against these inefficient pasteurisation plants, in view of the fact that 37 per cent. of the samples tested were found to give a positive result and 90 samples taken from milk supplied to school children were contaminated?

Captain HEILGERS

Is it not a fact that partly pasteurised milk is infinitely more dangerous to the public health than ordinary clean milk?

Sir K. WOOD

I could not now make a reply on that general matter, but the difficulty has chiefly arisen through these plants not being in proper working order.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

In view of the experience of Bournemouth and of other similar experiences throughout the country, does not the right hon. Gentleman think it time that the Government acted on the lines suggested by the research committee?

Sir K. WOOD

I made a reply on that matter last week.

Major COLFOX

Is it not a fact that the Bournemouth epidemic had nothing whatever to do with milk?

Sir K. WOOD

No, I must contradict that at once.