§ 16. Mr. Braineasked the Minister of Health how many prosecutions have taken place in respect of infringements of the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955; and what steps are taken to ensure that these Regulations are known and respected.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Derek Walker-Smith)There have been successful prosecutions for offences against almost every Regulation, but I regret that I have no complete record. The Regulations have had a wide circulation through local authorities and trade associations. Visits, advice and persuasion by local authority officials are supplemented by publicity designed to remind those who handle food and the public generally of the importance of food hygiene.
§ Mr. BraineWill not my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the food in the home is equally important, and can he say what steps are taken to draw the attention of the general public to this matter?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI agree with the first point made by my hon. Friend. Broadly, the publicity methods which I have described apply also to that, although not, of course, the question of prosecution.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs the Minister satisfied that imported foods, such as dried egg albumen, frozen liquid eggs and organic fertilisers, are properly inspected? Does he not think, possibly, that more pasteurisation of certain imported foods is necessary in view of the increased incidence of food poisoning?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe answer to the first part of the right hon. Lady's supplementary question is "Yes", but if she 877 has any reason to suppose otherwise and will communicate it to me, I will look at it with attention. In answer to the second part of her supplementary question, I think that probably this is not necessary, but I will certainly consider any suggestion which she puts forward.