HC Deb 30 June 1942 vol 381 cc34-5
63. Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether all farms and cows producing milk are subject to regular veterinary inspection; and when it is expected that all such milk will be of a standard safe for human consumption?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. T. Williams)

The majority of dairy cows are subject to regular veterinary inspection, but such inspection is not yet universal. As to the second part of the Question, the policy of the Government is to bring about this desirable result as soon as practicable.

Mr. Adams

Are we to presume that this is the continual policy of the Government, and, if so, why do they still allow hundreds of farms to produce milk that is unfit for human consumption?

Mr. Williams

I can assure my hon. Friend that whatever may have been the position in the past it is the active policy of the Government at the moment.

Dr. Edith Summerskill

Could my right hon. Friend say how he proposes to protect the public against infection from milk which is taken from farms where there is no inspection?