§ Sir J. LEIGHasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, whether he is aware of the existence of a widespread suspicion as to the value of the practice of the pasteurisation of milk; that the practice sterilises the essential qualities as well as the impurities of milk; and whether arrangements can be made to supply the public with pure wholesome milk at a uniform price?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERMy right hon. Friend is aware that there is some distrust of pasteurisation as now practised, partly due to the high temperature processes frequently adopted commercially. There is no evidence that pasteurisation properly conducted is capable of destroying the essential qualities or constituents of milk. The Minister of Health trusts that the steps being taken by his Department in regard to the milk supply will conduce to the provision of a wholesome milk at reasonable prices.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the, Ministry of Health, whether he can now without further delay present to this House the draft regulations under Section 3 of the Milk and Dairies (Amendment) Act, in view of the fact that the statutory date on which this section comes into operation is 1st January?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERThe hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension as to the effect of Section 6 of the Act. The necessary Order under Section 3 will not be presented to the House in draft, but it is required that it shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made, which will, it is hoped, be within the next few days.