HC Deb 03 December 1959 vol 614 c157W
105 and 106. Mr. Wilkins

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) whether he has studied the information sent to him by the hon. Member for Bristol, South, concerning the landing at Bristol of stewed steak imported from the Union of South Africa and found by the medical officer of health to be of exceptionally poor quality; and, in view of the fact that the consignment was intended for sale to the native population of the Union, what records he has of similar imports into the High Commission Territories of South Africa;

(2) what safeguards he lays down to ensure that foodstuffs imported into the High Commission Territories of South Africa for consumption by the native population are not inferior in standards and quality to those which would be permitted to enter the United Kingdom.

Mr. Alport

There is no import control over goods imported into the High Commission Territories from the Union of South Africa. It is, accordingly, not known whether any of the canned stewed steak in question has been sent to any of the three territories. But no complaints in connection with this matter have reached the authorities in any of the High Commission Territories.

There are regulations in each territory under the public health laws which forbid the sale or offer for sale of foodstuffs unfit for human consumption.