HC Deb 02 June 1954 vol 528 cc1267-9
27. Dr. Broughton

asked the Minister of Food whether he has concluded his consultations with local authorities and representatives of the catering trade on the draft regulations to be issued by his Department under the Food and Drugs (Amendment) Bill when it becomes an Act of Parliament.

31. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Food whether he has considered the submission of the National Caterers' Federation and other trade organisations regarding food hygiene regulations; and what action he is taking.

Dr. Hill

In the light of suggestions made by the trade and other organisations on the first draft, revised heads of proposals have just been circulated to all these organisations for further comment.

Dr. Broughton

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the general secretary of the National Caterers' Federation appears to be uninterested in clean food and unmindful of the incidence of food poisoning, and is rushing about the country trying to create alarm and despondency in the catering trade? Is it true to say that this gentleman has succeeded in frightening the Government and that that is why the clean food Bill is being withheld from the House of Commons?

Dr. Hill

I agree with the hon. Gentleman's early remarks, but I entirely dissent from the suggestion in the second part of his question that this gentleman has frightened the Government.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the public is no longer prepared to tolerate dirty food in dirty cafés, and will he make it clear to the National Caterers' Federation, and any other bodies opposed to the Government's plans, that the Government are resolutely determined to clean up things so far as the public supply of food is concerned?

Dr. Hill

I share entirely the enthusiasm of the hon. and gallant Gentleman for cleaner food.

Mr. F. Harris

Would my hon. Friend, therefore, carry that enthusiasm to the cafés of British Railways.

Mr. Willey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is some anxiety now about this Bill? We appreciate the Parliamentary Secretary's interest in it, and we ask him to use his good offices to see that it is among the first business to be considered when we return after the Whitsuntide Recess?

Dr. Hill

The hon. Gentleman will realise that the question of the business before the House is one for the Leader of the House and not for me.

Mr. Shinwell

In that case, why is the Leader of the House not present?

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