HC Deb 27 May 1963 vol 678 cc903-4
22. Mr. Spriggs

asked the Minister of Health if, with a view to introducing legislation to make the use of glass containers for liquid compulsory for public vending machines, he will make a study of the comparative hygienic qualities of glass and paper containers as used in such machines, and consult the British glass industry regarding the supply of suitable glass containers.

Mr. Braine

No. Sir.

Mr. Spriggs

Is the Joint Parliamentary Secretary aware that milk, soups, mineral waters and so on are now being sold from vending machines and that some of the paper containers containing these liquids come out of the machines in a sticky mess, which makes them quite unhygienic, to say the least? Will he take this matter up with his right hon. Friend with a view to consulting the glass industry in view of the danger currently facing hundreds of thousands of young people and others who use these machines every day?

Mr. Braine

I am advised that liquids can be packaged hygienically in different types of containers treated paper, plastic, glass and so on. None of these has an intrinsic hygienic advantage over the others. In any case, no single instance has been reported to my Department by any local authority since the coming into force of the Food Hygiene Regulations regarding unhygienic containers in vending machines. The Ministry's officers are in the closest touch on packaging questions with the glass industry.

Mr. Spriggs

Will the hon. Gentleman have a look at the vending machines outside the Strangers' Cafeteria, where soups and so on are sold in unsealed paper containers which are subject to foreign bodies?

Mr. Braine

When I am detained in the House on late Adjournment debates. which is quite frequently, I have reason to use these machines. I cannot say that I have had any occasion to complain.

Sir K. Thompson

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance to the effect that nothing his Department does will interfere with the process of selling these sixpenny drinks of milk and so on in public places by means of these machines?

Mr. Braine

I must emphasise that there is no evidence to show that these packages are unhygienic. However, we are always willing and ready to consider evidence to the contrary.