HC Deb 16 June 1954 vol 528 cc1929-30
8. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Food whether he has noted a tendency by some food manufacturers to use words of well-established meaning to denote articles of a lower quality than the words mean, particulars of which have been sent him; and what action he proposes to take to protect the public.

Major Lloyd George

Such practice is regrettable, but the existing law provides safeguards for the public against abuse.

Dr. Stross

Can the Minister state what protection the public has when such a practice is carried out, that is to say, the selling of a cheese called "Selected cheese," which is made from skimmed milk? Can he tell us how the public can obtain protection?

Major Lloyd George

That is the responsibility of the Food and Drugs

NUMBERS OF SHEEP PURCHASED AT COLLECTING CENTRES IN CORNWALL, DEVON, GLOUCESTER SOMERSE 3 AND WILTSHIRE DURING THE PERIOD WEEK ENDING 8TH MAY, 1954 TO WEEK ENDING 29TH MAY. 1954, INCLUSIVE
(Head)
— Week ending 8th May, 1954 Week ending 15th May, 1954 Week ending 22nd May,1954 Week ending 29th May, 1954 Totals
Cornwall 660 793 1,390 2,408 5,251
Devonshire 5,080 7,803 8,865 18,324 40,072
Gloucestershire 1,461 2,529 1,645 2,975 8,610
Somersetshire 4,266 3,571 3,952 6,079 17,868
Wiltshire 543 785 675 1,047 3,050

NOTE:

Figures shown for week ending 8th May, 1954, are final.

Figures shown for weeks ending 15th May, 1954 to 29th May, 1954, are provisional.

11. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Food what restrictions he has placed on the marketing of sheep during June; and whether he will make a statement.

authorities. They have the power, either by regulations or the existing statute, to take proceedings in cases of wrong description of commodities. The hon. Member is probably referring to the Birmingham City Council. I have seen its very comprehensive report, and I am not at all sure that this Question should not have been addressed to that council.

Mrs. Mann

What protection has the public when words of well-established meaning are twisted to connote something else? What protection has it from Ministers who talk of the stability of prices when prices are actually shooting up through the roof?

Major Lloyd George

Not for the first time, the hon. Lady has gone a long way from the Question, which has nothing to do with what she has just mentioned. I simply said, in answer to the Question, that the existing legislation affords complete protection to the public if Food and Drugs authorities care to use it.