HC Deb 30 July 1953 vol 518 cc1528-9
32. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware of the public concern at the outbreak of food poisoning from school centre meals; what inquiries are being made; what information has so far resulted; and what precautions are likely to be introduced to obviate further trouble when the schools reassemble after the summer holidays.

Miss Horsbrugh

Yes, Sir. I would refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to the hon. and gallant Member for Brixton (Lieut.-Colonel Lipton). The school canteens, which are my concern, do not appear to have been responsible for these outbreaks by any neglect of proper precautions in the preparation or serving of food. I am awaiting the results of the inquiries which are being made by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health as to the origin of the poisoning.

Dr. Summerskill

Are cold storage facilities provided in schools in which large-scale catering is undertaken?

Miss Horsbrugh

Yes, most certainly.