§ Mr. RENNIE SMITHasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the poisonous spraying of foreign applies imported into this country; what brands of applies are affected; and what steps he is taking to safeguard British consumers of applies?
§ Sir K. WOODYes, Sir. As the bon. and gallant Member for Southwark (Colonel Day) was informed on the 25th June last, the matter has been under the observation of my Department for a number of years. My right hon. Friend is sorry to say that recent analyses have shown the presence of increased quantities of arsenic on certain brands of imported Jonathans. The safeguarding of consumers is in the hands of the Port Sanitary and other local authorities whom my right hon. Friend is reminding of the necessity for strict supervision. He is, however, trying to arrange that measures shall be taken to effect the removal of the contamination before the apples are packed for export to this country.