§ 13. Earl Wintertonasked the Minister of Health if, in view of the number of cases of food poisoning that have arisen lately and the fact that official expert opinion has on more than one occasion drawn attention to the insanitary methods 628 of food handling in this country, he will issue a statement on the subject to be sent to all catering authorities.
§ Mr. BevanThis is a complex problem, and I propose to await the report of the Working Party on Hygiene in the Catering Industry before considering further action.
§ Earl WintertonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the standard is unfortunately deplorably lower here than, for example, in Scandinavian countries, and that I myself have seen the catering staff of this House hand out pieces of sugar and bread with their hands—a thing which would not be tolerated in Scandinavian countries or in the United States?
§ Mr. BevanI think the standards in the use of food are far lower than they ought to be. I hope that when we get this report we shall be able to take remedial action.
§ Mr. Somerville HastingsIn view of the very serious urgency of this matter, will my right hon. Friend consider not waiting, but issuing model by—laws now?
§ Mr. BevanI think it would be far better to issue by-laws that are likely to be practicable and useful than to act precipitately and merely issue edicts that are not likely to be of much use. I would rather have the technical advice first of all, and issue the by-laws afterwards.
§ Sir Ralph GlynWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that when the paper shortage necessitated the cessation of wrapping bread it was then stated that when paper became more plentiful that would be one of the first things to be done again?