HC Deb 30 July 1956 vol 557 c915
39. Mr. Albu

asked the Minister of Health whether he will make a regulation under Section 13 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, forbidding shop assistants from licking their fingers when picking up paper in which to wrap food.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

No, Sir. The powers already given by the Regulations should be adequate.

Mr. Albu

Will the hon. Lady at least condemn this disgusting and much too prevalent habit?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

I am quite prepared to condemn the habit; but I am sure the hon. Member appreciates that to specify any particular offence might well provide leaks for those unspecified. Regulations 8 and 9 are phrased generally so as to cover all such unpleasant practices.