§ Mr. CLYNESasked the Minister off Health whether the recent recommendations of a Departmental Committee on food preservatives are based upon the suggestion that cold storage is a suitable substitute for the preservatives hitherto used; whether he has made any inquiry into the extent to which cold storage is available in this country; whether any such cold storage is available in country towns or villages or in the homes of consumers: and whether he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?
§ Sir K. WOODThe recommendations had in view that the use of preservatives can be avoided partly by the adoption of greater care, including more cleanly methods, in the preparation, transport, and distribution of food and partly by the increased use of cold storage. The information before my right hon. Friend shows that there is at present a large amount of cold storage in the country which is not being used. He recognises that adequate accommodation is not available everywhere, but anticipates that the prospect of restrictions on the use of chemical preservatives will result in the increased use of the existing accommodation and the provision of such further accommodation as may be necessary. This was one of the reasons for allowing an interval before the Regulations become operative.