§ 22. Commander Donaldsonasked the Minister of Labour whether he now proposes to review the operation of the Orders under the Anthrax Prevention Act, 1919.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI have received a number of representations which indicate the need for such a review. The last full-scale inquiry into the question of precautions against anthrax was made forty years ago and I have decided, after consulting my right hon. Friends the Minister of Health, the President of the Board of Trade, and the Secretary of State for Scotland, and also the Medical Research Council, to appoint a Committee of Inquiry with the following terms of reference:
To consider the existing legal provisions concerning the importation of goods infected or likely to be infected with anthrax and the precautions to be taken in connection with such imported goods for the protection of the health of persons and to make recommendations.I am glad to say that Mr. R. F. Levy, Q.C., has agreed to act as Chairman of the Committee.I hope to announce shortly the names of the other members.
§ Commander DonaldsonWhile I thank my right hon. Friend for his very welcome answer to a problem which has been worrying the cashmere knitwear trade in Scotland for a long time, may I ask whether he does not think it is unusual that garments made from pressurised dyed cashmere wool can be imported but that pressurised and dyed cashmere yarn is not at present admissible? Is not that one of the points to be considered?
§ Mr. MacleodThat is obviously one of the points to be considered. Equally obviously, it is a point on which I cannot comment now.