§ Mr. David Adamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what progress has been made towards the elimination of disease organisms from milk for human consumption, by pasteurisation or other methods?
§ Mr. MabaneVery considerable progress has been made in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend. As my hon. Friend is aware there is close collaboration in this matter between my Noble Friend and my right hon. Friends the Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries and of Health. The inspection of dairy herds,316W milk sampling, the tuberculosis order, the tuberculosis attested herds scheme, and the new scheme for the control of diseases of dairy cattle, all play their part under the direction of the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Pasteurisation standards are set by the Minister of Health and action is taken by the appropriate officers under the Act and regulations relating to food generally and to milk in particular. At the present time the responsibility for distribution of milk rests upon the Minister of Food, and I am able to say that at present it is estimated that some 70 per cent. of the milk supply is pasteurised before distribution to consumers. It is anticipated that the rationalisation of wholesale and retail distribution now being undertaken will result in a larger proportion of supply being pasteurised.