§ 22. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has noted that stilboestrol-treated chickens are banned in some countries; and whether he proposes to impose a similar ban in this country.
§ Mr. HareI am aware that there is some control of the use of synthetic oestrogens in the production of poultry and livestock in certain countries. The use of these substances is being studied by the Agricultural Research Council and I am awaiting their advice.
§ Dr. StrossDoes that Answer mean that if the Minister is advised that the practice is not desirable and that there may be some effect upon the health of those who eat the flesh of these chickens, he will take action and ban it here, too?
§ Mr. HareI would not like to prejudge the expert evidence which is shortly to be made available to me, but I am advised that the risk is very slight and that no cases of harmful effects to human consumers in this country have come to my notice, or to the notice of my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of Health.