§ 23. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the danger to health caused by the presence of arsenic in food; and whether he will take steps to prevent this element being used in the feedingstuffs of animals.
§ Mr. BraineYes, Sir; the Arsenic in Food Regulations, 1959, strictly limit the amount of arsenic which may be present in food for sale for human consumption. Any further necessary action in regard to the second part of the Question would be for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
§ Mr. RankinAt the moment, I am concerned with the Minister of Health. Has he satisfied himself through his responsible officers by personal investigation of factory premises that the limitations which he has mentioned are imposed in the case of broiler-reared chickens?
§ Mr. BraineThere is a voluntary ban on the use of arsenical growth promoters in animal feedingstuffs. Any veterinary products, including arsenical growth promoters, which I think are what the hon. Member has in mind, are dealt with under the voluntary scheme. My right hon. Friend, as well as the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture, receives advice from the Advisory Committee on Poisonous Substances Used in Agriculture and Food Storage, and there is no reason to believe that there is any cause here for alarm.