HC Deb 05 July 1948 vol 453 cc10-1
19. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Food whether in the course of his campaign for cleanliness in catering establishments, he will deal with the problem of cracked crockery, which is not only unclean but spreads infection and disease.

Mr. Strachey

Infection can be spread by any crockery which has not been properly cleaned after use, and my medical advisers take the view that cracks do not materially enhance the danger. It is, of course, of the utmost importance that caterers should protect their customers by thorough cleansing and, where possible, sterilisation.

Mr. Janner

Is not my right hon. Friend aware of the fact that in some countries it is illegal to use cracked crockery in catering establishments? As there is now a supply of plastic crockery, should not some steps be taken here in this direction?

Mr. Strachey

It is very much better to have untracked crockery than cracked crockery. I entirely agree with that.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a very great deal of cracked crockery bequeathed by private enterprise, on what was the L.N.E.R., to British Railways, and will he do something to remedy that state of affairs on the railways?

Sir W. Smithers

Is it not a fact that the finest example of cracked crockery is the Minister himself?

23. Mr. A. R. W. Low

asked the Minister of Food why he has co-operated with the British Tourist and Holidays Board in issuing post-free to each boarding house proprietor in Blackpool two large tin plaques about 15 in. by 10 in., three small tin placques about 7 in. by 5 in. and four large crown posters with an explanatory pamphlet, inviting them to wash their hands; how much this has cost; and how much tin and how much paper has been used in this campaign.

Mr. Strachey

This hygiene campaign has my full support because it should lead to higher standards of cleanliness in all sections of the catering industry, and I am glad that my Department was able to assist by providing addressed labels. The cost of publication and postage is being paid by the British Tourist and Holidays Board.

Mr. Low

Is the right hon. Gentleman then accusing boarding house keepers in Blackpool of having a standard of personal hygiene below that which he would like? If so, will he withdraw that gross insult?

Mr. Strachey

No. I make no such accusation. I would, however, call the hon. Gentleman's attention to a cutting from the "Evening Standard" of 24th June which reads: The baker did not wash his hands. Ninety-three people were poisoned in Lambeth. Such unfortunate events do occur when a standard of cleanliness insufficient for the needs of the food trade arises. Therefore, I certainly support the campaign of the British Tourist and Holidays Board.

Mr. Low

Is it not typical Socialism, and typical of the right hon. Gentleman that, because someone in Lambeth has not maintained the standard which the right hon. Gentleman requires, he should then accuse all the people of Blackpool, who know this trade backwards, of having a standard below that which he would wish?