HC Deb 07 February 1966 vol 724 cc7-8
11. Mr. William Yates

asked the Minister of Health the total quantity and the total value of the foodstuffs which were condemned by his inspectors as a result of floodwater at the Parade, Hadley, Wellington, Shropshire.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Charles Loughlin)

None, Sir. Under the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, food inspection is the responsibility of local authorities and condemnation, if called for, is the function of a justice of the peace. I am informed that in this instance action to condemn was unnecessary. I am sending the hon. Member a list of goods voluntarily surrendered.

Mr. Yates

Is the Minister aware that his Department of State in supervising matters of health at local government level and above is very much lacking and that many people would appreciate his Department having far more powers in dealing with matters like this?

Mr. Loughlin

I should not like to enter into a discussion at this stage as to the correctness or otherwise of our powers. In the incident in question, however, as the hon. Member knows, the foodstuff was voluntarily surrendered by the traders and there does not appear to me to have been the slightest difficulty.