§ 51. Mr. Douglasasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that caps from previous fillings are frequently found at the bottom of bottles of pasteurised milk; whether the caps are pasteurised; and what steps he is taking to ensure the cleanliness of the milk supply?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Horsbrugh)My right hon. Friend has heard of a single instance of this. The enforcement of the relevant Regulations is a matter for local authorities, and he has recently taken the opportunity of asking them to concentrate attention upon cleanliness in method of production, treatment and distribution.
§ Mr. DouglasIs the hon. Lady aware that this Question was put down to the Ministry of Food, and an: I to understand that they disclaim any responsibility for the purity of the food supply?
§ Miss HorsbrughCleanliness of milk comes under the supervision of local authorities and therefore under the Ministry of Health.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenIs the hon. Lady aware that this Question has nothing to do with pasteurisation, and that as the same accident in production may occur to sterilised milk, raw milk, T.T. milk or any other kind of milk, it does not reflect on the method of pasteurisation?
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillIn view of the hon. Lady's last reply, may I ask what her Department is doing with a view to providing safe milk for the public?
§ Miss HorsbrughThat is another question.