§ 2. Mr. Newensasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that the regulations which prohibit the conveyance of foodstuffs alongside dangerous chemicals are sufficient to prevent any danger to public health; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Charles Loughlin)My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations, 1960, require sufficient precautions to be taken to prevent contamination of the food.
§ Mr. NewensIs my hon. Friend aware of the case in my constituency earlier this year in which a large number of people were affected as a result of flour being contaminated by dangerous chemicals during transit? In view of that case, may I ask my hon. Friend to have another look at the situation, since I understand that no adequate Act or regulations exist to govern the transfer of dangerous chemicals of this sort which are not prescribed poisons?
§ Mr. LoughlinWe are responsible for the regulations governing the carrying of food and are satisfied that they are adequate for most cases. I think that my hon. Friend will agree that there is always danger of an isolated occurrence similar to that which took place at Epping and that, no matter what regulations might be framed, they could not eliminate entirely the possibility of such occurrences.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWill the Parliamentary Secretary show a little more urgency about this matter and get down to it instead of just waffling?
§ Mr. LoughlinI do not know about waffling. We believe that the regulations are adequate and, indeed, if one bears in mind the total amount of food transshipped all over the country as compared with the number of occurrences of this sort, one can only assume that they are adequate. As for waffling, perhaps I can have notice of that question.