§ 30. Mr. Charles Brownasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the business of manure manufacturer is being carried on in Wood Lane, Shepherds Bush, within the Metropolitan borough of Hammersmith, in close proximity to the bottling depot of the London Wholesale Dairies, Limited, which deals in normal times with 40 per cent. of the milk supply of London; that the manure so produced has been stated on oath by an eminent bacteriologist in recent proceedings to contain B coli and streptococci of faecal origin in considerable quantities; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the milk being contaminated?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)My right hon. Friend is aware that the works of Hyganic, Limited, are situate as described. He has no knowledge of the evidence which was tendered in the proceedings to which the hon. Member refers, but he is advised that the process does not constitute a danger to health and with the precautions in force is unlikely to contaminate the milk supply specified.
§ Mr. BrownDoes the hon. Lady think that it is necessary, even in war-time, that processes like this should be carried on in the midst of crowded populations, especially when they are prohibited by Act of Parliament?
§ Miss HorsbrughIf the hon. Gentleman will look at my reply, he will see that my right hon. Friend has looked into this case, and as far as we can see there is no danger to health or to the milk supply, but if the hon. Gentleman can bring forward any further evidence, my right hon. Friend will be very glad to receive it.
§ Mr. LipsonCannot the Ministry call the attention of the local authorities to the offensive trades regulations?
§ Miss HorsbrughWe are aware of them.