§ 35. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food when agene as an improver will be banned in flour for human or animal consumption.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)I am not yet able to make a statement.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that 11 months ago a statement was made in another place that there was about to be a decision shortly? In view of the fact that experiments on animals have shown terrible results, does he not think it is time we now sought to protect human beings?
Mr. AmoryThe last time the Committee reported on this matter there was no evidence that agene was toxic to human beings. I cannot take any further step in the matter until I have had further technical advice.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the right hon. Gentleman deny that by experiments on animals it has been proved to be a terrible thing? In view of the fact that other things have been banned as the result of experiments on animals, why not agene, as it has been in 13 other countries?
Mr. AmoryThat is one of the questions upon which I am awaiting technical advice. Up to date, the evidence is that it is not toxic to human beings.