HC Deb 24 November 1937 vol 329 cc1240-1W
Sir J. Mellor

asked the Minister of Health whether, for the information of the public and in the interest of owners of watercress beds which are safe from contamination, he will make a statement with regard to the present system of inspection of watercress beds and any changes contemplated?

Mr. Bernays

Under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Acts, a voluntary National Mark Scheme for watercress is administered by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the water in beds belonging to growers enrolled in the scheme is periodically examined. There has been no evidence of any danger to public health to warrant any special measures of inspection in relation to watercress generally.