HC Deb 17 February 1943 vol 386 cc1736-8
55. Major York

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he has considered the effect on the future production of tuberculin-tested milk of allowing tuberculin-tested milk supplies to be pasteurised; and whether it is the policy of his Department to encourage the extension of tuberculin-tested herds?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Mabane)

I have no reason to think that the pasteurisation of tuberculin-tested milk would have any adverse effect upon the future production of such milk. It is the policy of my Department to support the Agricultural Departments in their efforts to encourage the extension of tuberculin-tested herds.

Major York

Will my hon. Friend consult with the Ministry of Agriculture to see whether an extension of the number of tuberculin-tested herds could not be brought about?

Mr. Mabane

We are in consultation on that point at the moment.

Dr. Summerskill

Is it not a fact that the highest authorities say that pasteurised milk is safer than tuberculin-tested milk?

Mr. Mabane

That is another matter.

Mr. Stokes

Is it not a fact that rats die of pasteurised milk?

Mr. Higgs

Is the Minister aware that not more than five per cent. of the dairy herds throughout the country are tuberculin-tested?

56. Major York

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can give any indication of the amount of tuberculin-tested milk, that is being bulked with non-tuberculin-tested milk; and whether he is satisfied that this mixing is in the interests of the future production of tuberculin-tested milk and the general raising of the standard of the milk supply of the country?

Mr. Mabane

The amount of tuberculin-tested milk which is not sold as such varies from month to month. In March, 1942, out of a total supply by wholesale producers of 3,880,000 gallons of tuberculin-tested milk, approximately 3,000,000 gallons were sold to buyers on the same terms as ordinary milk. It is probable that most of this was bulked with ordinary milk before sale to the consumer. My noble Friend is at present considering whether means can be devised both to encourage the future production and consumption of tuberculin-tested milk and to raise the general standard of the milk supply of the country.

Major York

Would it not be possible to send some of the tuberculin-tested milk which is now being bulked into the West Riding schools, where they are short of this type of milk?

Mr. Mabane

I would be very glad to consider that question.