§ 51. Mr. Holtasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of imported foodstuffs is microscopically examined by his Department for insect contamination; and what steps are taken to ensure that foodstuffs thus found to be contaminated are not distributed from ports of entry for human consumption unless and until they have been thoroughly cleansed.
§ Mr. John HareNearly all imported foodstuffs liable to infestation are examined by my Ministry's staff to check the presence of living insects and mites. Treatment to kill these pests is advised where necessary, but action relating to the fitness of food for human consumption is the responsibility of port health and local authorities.