§ 6. Mr. Woolmerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what bodies and interests he is consulting in the course of his consideration of Government policy towards untreated milk.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have met representatives from farming and will be meeting those of dairy interests. Their views, together with those we have received directly or indirectly from other interested organisations and individuals, will be taken fully into account.
§ Mr. WoolmerI thank the Minister for his reply. Is he aware that outbreaks of serious stomach illness continue to occur, associated with the consumption of untreated or ineffectively treated milk—for example, in Cambridge, Lincoln, Aberdeen and South Bedfordshire in the last 12 months, to give but four examples?
Will the Minister at an early stage confirm that he intends to ban the sale of untreated milk in 1983? In the meantime, will he properly warn the public so that, for example, 3,000 people in South Bedfordshire—most of them children—will not be subject to severe illness?
§ Mr. WalkerThere is a whole range of product areas where illnesses have occurred and there are problems. It is important that any solution ensures that people know the risks involved at the time of purchase. To eliminate the right of people to purchase is another question.
§ Mr. Peter MillsWill the Minister give this necessary freedom to rural areas in particular? As long as the bottle is clearly marked it should be left to the responsibility of the person who drinks from it. If my right hon. Friend wants an example of someone who has drunk untreated milk for several years, he need only to look at the hon. Member for Devon, West, who does not look too bad.
§ Mr. WalkerThat is a matter of opinion. However, there is strong feeling on this topic and we are trying to find a rational and sensible solution. Whilst I agree with my hon. Friend that it is perfectly reasonable that people should be allowed to purchase milk if they know the risks involved, there are none the less problems—for example the supplying of hotels—that are more complicated. I hope that we will make a detailed announcement soon.
§ Mr. Nicholas WintertonFollowing the excellent supplementary question of my hon. Friend the Member for Devon, West (Mr. Mills), does not the Minister agree that the hon. Member for Macclesfield is a picture of health? Does he not agree that in many rural areas treated milk is not available, and therefore the continuation of the supply of untreated milk is vital?
§ Mr. WalkerI think that perhaps the comparison is declining rather than improving. However, we have looked into this question carefully and we shall also consult other Departments involved in agriculture. I hope to make a positive announcement soon.