§ 62. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Food whether he has now further considered the question of the admitted variable and reduced meat content of sausages since the introduction of meat and livestock control; when his Department is likely to arrive at a decision respecting controlling the price and the meat content of sausages; and whether, in view of the 2068 adverse dietetic and financial effect on working-class consumers, he will consider applying the same principle respecting the composition and standard of value of sausages and similar foodstuffs as is now applied to preserved and other foodstuffs?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe question of the meat content of sausages is still under consideration, and a decision respecting their price and meat content will be announced in the near future. With regard to the last part of the Question, I should explain that no action taken by my Department in this matter will in any way affect the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the Minister aware that however humorous the subject may seem, numbers of working-class people do not find it humorous when they attempt to buy sausages and pay merely for bread? In view of this deception, which works adversely towards the working class, will he expedite a decision in this matter?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe position at present is that the peace-time protection of the Food and Drugs Act provides for any question of adulteration and so on, and we are seeing whether we can provide further protection in the manner that I have suggested.
§ Mr. J. MorganTo whom may a consumer lay a charge of adulteration?
§ Mr. MorrisonTo me.
§ Mr. ThorneCan the Minister say when a food controller of a local authority has power to prosecute?
§ Mr. MorrisonWhen there is any contravention of the Food and Drugs Act.