§ 21. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Food whether he will forbid the use of albumen manufactured from fish or slaughterhouse blood in the preparation 825 of cakes and any foodstuffs for human use, unless the foodstuff is so labelled that the source of the albumen is clearly apparent.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo, Sir. I do not think it would be appropriate to try to impose any special restrictions on the use of such harmless and useful supplement to our supplies of egg albumen.
§ Dr. StrossHas the Minister not considered the fact that the use of albumen made out of blood may be nauseating to certain sections of the public, including vegetarians, Hindus, Mohammedans and Jews? Is the only advice he can give them that they must never eat any confections made with albumen from blood? If that is the view he takes, will he bear in mind that the next stage will be to produce albumen from the excretions of diseased cattle and human beings?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am surprised that the hon. Gentleman made that last observation. With regard to albumen itself, it is virtually indistinguishable as between animal and egg. I shall do what I can to help anybody with religious opposition to this product. I do not think it would be impossible for them to obtain their egg albumen if they made inquiries.
§ Mr. NicholsonIs not this a case where ignorance is bliss and it is folly to be wise?