HC Deb 04 March 1937 vol 321 c536
52. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the evidence contained in the annual report of the chief medical officer of his Department for 1935 of serious outbreaks of scarlet fever solely due to the sale of raw milk, he intends to introduce legislation during the present Session providing for the compulsory pasteurisation of all milk?

Sir K. Wood

I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member on 12th November last.

Mr. Morrison

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the dangers of this situation, and does he contemplate legislation?

Sir K. Wood

I cannot contemplate legislation at the present time.

Mr. Macquisten

Is not the Minister aware that raw milk is fresh milk, and that pasteurised milk (which is just half-boiled milk called by a scientific name to hide the damage done to it) is just as capable or more capable of spreading disease than fresh milk?