HC Deb 30 July 1951 vol 491 cc944-5
6. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Food whether he will introduce legislation to require hotels, inns and public houses to wash glasses with approved mechanical appliances.

Mr. F. Willey

no, Sir. My right hon. Friend is not satisfied that mechanical methods of washing glasses are preferable in all circumstances to washing by hand.

Mr. Nabarro

can the hon. Gentleman say whether any minimum hygienic standards are prescribed for the washing of glasses in public-houses, inns and establishments of that sort, and if so, what they are? Does he realise that legislation has been introduced in Australia to prescribe minimum standards and the use of certain approved mechanical appliances and devices for this purpose?

Mr. Willey

i am sure that the hon. Gentleman could read with profit the Catering Trade Working Party's Report.

Mr. Pannell

has my hon. Friend read with profit the advice given in the House by my hon. Friend the Member for Batley and Morley (Dr. Broughton), on the preparation of clean food? Has he also read the observations of the hon. Member for Luton (Dr. Hill), as well as those of the hon. Member for Batley and Morley and other hon. Members, to the effect that the present methods of washing glasses are completely dangerous and almost prehistoric?

Mr. Willey

i remember that debate with pleasure, but washing by hand is not necessarily unhygienic.

Mr. Nabarro

will the hon. Gentleman undertake to consider the matter further, particularly during the Parliamentary Recess, and study the Australian legislation on the subject?

Mr. Willey

all these matters are being considered.

Mr. J. Langford-Holt

does the hon. Gentleman agree with his right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance, who, when she held his position, stated that it was best by far not to dry glasses with towels at all, or has the policy of his Ministry changed since then?

Dr. Stross

is not my hon. Friend awaiting a report on the use of detergents and the question whether it is desirable that they should be used in washing up? Until then, would it not be wiser to wait before coming to a decision?

Mr. Willey

This matter was dealt with at some length by the Working Party, and further inquiries and investigations are being made.

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