§ Mr. Pearsonasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that reports of the inspectors under the Food and Drugs Act in Glamorganshire, dated April, 1941, showed several convictions against persons for selling milk containing 4 per cent., 5 per cent., 17 per cent., 2o¾ per cent., and 60 per cent. of added water; that concern is felt by the county public health committee with this adulteration of a vital food; and, in view of the nature of the offences and the importance of enforcing an effective deterrent, will he draw the attention of magistrates to the need of imposing the severest penalties upon offenders who adulterate milk with added water?
§ Mr. PeakeI understand that this matter has been under consideration by the public health committee of the Glamorgan County Council and that the committee have submitted a resolution on the subject to the county council. When an offence is proved it is for the court to decide what penalty is appropriate, having regard to the circumstances of the individual case; but it is of course the duty of the magistrates in these cases—as in all cases—to bear in mind the importance of taking adequate steps to enforce the law.