§ 32. Mr. Toucheasked the Minister of Food whether his attention has been called to the latest report of the Medical Officer for the Port of London which calls attention to the marked deterioration in the quality of certain types of foodstuffs entering the port, particularly meat and meat products; and whether he can make any statement on the subject.
§ Mr. StracheyI have seen the report to which the hon. Member refers, and I think the reference to the quality of imported food is capable of misinterpretation. Arrangements have been made in collaboration with port health authorities for the food which is imported to be inspected and while it may not be possible to maintain prewar standards of quality at all times I can assure the hon. Member that the most stringent measures are taken to ensure that no food which is unfit for human consumption is distributed.