HC Deb 04 February 1948 vol 446 cc1796-7
24. Mr. Skinnard

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that adulterated milk is still being sold in Mauritius, and that milk given to patients in the civil hospital is overdiluted condensed milk; what steps are being taken by the Government of Mauritius to end this adulteration; and whether he will consider prohibiting the manufacture of cream, butter and cheese while there is a shortage of milk.

Mr. Creech Jones

I have received a report from the Governor of Mauritius. As it is rather long, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Skinnard

Would the Colonial Secretary consider helping out the Government of Mauritius by lending a chemist to replace the Government chemist now on leave, since the general control has broken down because of his absence?

Mr. Creech Jones

This matter is receiving close attention. There has been difficulty in securing technical assistants, but the Government are fully alive to its importance.

Following is the reply:

It is true that adulterated milk is still being sold in Mauritius. The principal cause of adulteration is inadequate supply and the Mauritius Government, in order to remedy this, has been endeavouring to secure the services of an Animal Husbandry Officer with a view to improving

the stock of much cows. In the meantime such control as can be exercised by sampling milk and prosecuting offenders is being carried out.

As regards hospitals, condensed milk issued to patients is normally diluted in correct proportion, but for some months past owing to impossibility of obtaining sufficient imports of condensed milk and to transport difficulties it has been necessary to increase the dilution in all hospitals. Apart from hospitals the sale of condensed milk has had to be restricted to certain aged persons and infants under one year of age on medical certificate only. A consignment of condensed milk is expected shortly which will ease the position. Supplies of this commodity for 1948 are expected to be 230 tons as compared with 86 tons in 1946.

In view of the short supply in the Colony of fats and edible oils, it is not considered expedient to prohibit the manufacture of cream, butter and cheese at present.