§ Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware of the danger to health where dustbins containing refuse are carried through food shops uncovered; and whether he will advise local authorities to examine the possibility of using self-sealing paper bags in place of dustbins similar to those in use by the Barking Borough Council, and thus obviate the danger to health.
§ Mr. CorfieldThe answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes". But the owners of food shops and their servants have a duty under the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations to protect food from risk of contamination. My right hon. Friend and I are sure that local authorities are aware of this risk. In due course they should receive useful advice on refuse collection from the working party which my right hon. Friend has appointed.