§ 8. Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the continued production and sale of non-designated and other milk dangerous for human consumption, it is now intended to restore the powers of rejection of such milk to medical officers of health, of which they were deprived upon the introduction of the National Milk Scheme?
§ Mr. E. BrownThe National Milk Scheme does not affect any powers of medical officers of health in relation to the quality of milk.
§ Mr. AdamsIs the Minister aware that medical officers of health have the power of rejection of unfit milk in the matter of milk in schools? Why should not the general public be similarly protected?
§ Mr. BrownThere is misunderstanding. I would point out to my hon. Friend that the National Milk Scheme does not give this power to medical officers.
The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. David Adams:9. To ask the Minister of Health whether, as it is not intended to pasteurise all milk, it has now been decided to raise to healthy standards farms at present producing milk dangerous for human consumption.
§ Mr. AdamsOn a point of Order. I addressed this Question to the Minister of Agriculture, but it has reached the Minister of Health. Is not the Minister of Agriculture the correct Minister for a 2130 Question dealing with cows and cow sheds?
§ Mr. SpeakerIt appears to be a matter for the Minister of Health.
§ Mr. E. BrownIt is for local authorities to carry out the powers they possess under the Milk and Dairies Order, 1926, in relation to conditions of production at all farms. The new Milk Testing Scheme, and the advisory work in connection with it, should serve to supplement and assist in this work.
§ Mrs. TateWill the Minister on no account encourage the ruination by pasteurisation of one of our few natural foods?
§ Major C. S. TaylorIs not the Minister aware that in certain foreign countries they will not feed non-pasteurised milk to valuable animals?
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillIs it not a fact that 13,000 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis have been notified this year and that experts have told the right hon. Gentleman that 40 per cent. of those cases were due to milk infection? Has he no responsibility in this matter?