Food Poisoning (Hygiene)

HC Deb 22 April 1953 vol 514 cc1143-4

5. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Food whether he has noted the recent increase in the number of cases of dysentery and enteric diseases due to contamination of food by those who handle it; and what action he is taking to protect the public.

9. Dr. Broughton

asked the Minister of Food what action he proposes to take in view of the opinion expressed in Command Paper No. 8787 that the prevention of outbreaks of food poisoning depends mainly on the standard of personal and kitchen hygiene in catering establishments.

Dr. Hill

My right hon. and gallant Friend and I have seen the report of the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health for the year 1951. The public can be protected by scrupulous domestic and personal cleanliness and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, local authorities, the Central Council for Health Education, my Department, and other bodies will continue to emphasise the need for high standards of personal and kitchen hygiene. There will shortly be published by my Department a manual of guidance on hygiene in the catering industries.

Dr. Stross

But can the Minister state whether he would not approach the national and local Press to assist him, and can he say whether he has attempted to advertise through the Press asking that those who handle food should wash their hands after using the lavatory? If he has had no success, will he tell us why, and will he try again by asking for their co-operation?

Dr. Hill

I have described the channels of public education, but I will certainly give consideration to any further suggestions which the hon. Member has to make.

Dr. Broughton

Will the hon. Gentleman use to the utmost his influence amongst his colleagues in the Government to expedite the long-promised legislation, which has as its purpose the raising of the average standard of hygiene in catering establishments?

Dr. Hill

I realise the need for amending legislation, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will agree that in dealing with this problem standards of personal conduct are not less important—indeed, more important. If I may say so, I appreciated greatly the booklet which the hon. Gentleman has just written for the St. John Ambulance Association as an added contribution to public health.