HC Deb 24 November 1958 vol 596 c21
49. Mr. Champion

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the fact that Derbyshire's Chief Health Inspector has reported that health inspectors in that county in 1957 condemned more than one and a half tons of imported apples as heavily contaminated with lead and arsenic, and that all stocks were not traced; and if he will tighten the import inspection arrangements to prevent contaminated fruit leaving the ports.

Mr. R. Thompson

I am aware of this report. Representations were made in 1957 to the country from which the apples came and the authorities there arranged for subsequent consignments to be washed or cleaned before export. It is not always practicable to detain a large consignment at the port pending the results of analysis. In such cases Port Health authorities get in touch with the local authorities concerned as soon as possible.

Mr. Champion

May I ask the Minister why it is not possible to hold fruit at the ports while the analysis is being made? It seems to me to be absolute madness to allow large quantities of these apples to be spread about the country, as they obviously are at the present time.

Mr. Thompson

This analysis can only be made effectively on a sampling basis. Since the goods are perishable, it is not feasible to detain the whole consignment.