HL Deb 25 January 1955 vol 190 cc675-6

3.27 p.m.

LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government for what purposes mono-sodium glutamate is added to foodstuffs; to what foodstuffs it is added; and what research has been conducted relating to the effects on health of the ingestion of this chemical in small quantities for prolonged periods.]

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY OF LANCASTER (VISCOUNT WOOLTON)

My Lords, the purpose of the addition of mono-sodium glutamate to certain kinds of food is to enhance their flavour. In fact it functions as a condiment. It is used at present principally in canned soups and dry soup mixes. Glutamic acid, of which this substance is a salt, is a normal constituent of food proteins and has not been found to have any adverse effect on health; I am advised that there is no reason to believe that the continued use of mono-sodium glutamate will have any such effect.

LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

Do I understand from the noble Viscount's answer that in fact no research has been conducted on this matter?

VISCOUNT WOOLTON

I do not know what the noble Lord understands from it. I made no observations on the subject at all.

LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

Then may I ask the noble Viscount whether it is a fact that he has no information about that part of my question?

VISCOUNT WOOLTON

That is true.