HC Deb 06 June 1939 vol 348 cc203-4
37. Mr. Pearson

asked the Minister of Health whether he will request local government authorities to obtain a standard frequency of milk samples for bacteriological analysis so that possible existence of tubercle bacilli in milk may be effectively traced, and in order to supplement the detection of tuberculosis-infected animals by the veterinary staff of the Ministry of Agriculture?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Bernays)

While my right hon. Friend fully appreciates the importance of the examination of milk for tubercle bacilli, and his Department draws the attention of local authorities to the matter in appropriate cases, the number of samples which it is desirable to take must vary with circumstances, and, on the information before him, my right hon. Friend does not think that it would be practicable or useful to enjoin a standard figure upon all authorities.

Mr. Pearson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the number of samples taken for analysis is totally inadequate in some county areas?

Mr. Bernays

My right hon. Friend is continually drawing the attention of local authorities to the importance of taking numerous tests. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind where that is not being done, I shall be very happy to look into it.