§ Mr. Edenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has received regarding the presence of dangerous amounts of arsenic in the peel of potatoes which have been treated with arsenical haulm killers; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareWhere arsenic is found in potatoes, the peel normally contains more arsenic than the flesh; but surveys organised by the Ministry of Health in 1958 and analysis of samples of tubers from sprayed crops taken by the National Agricultural Advisory Service in 1959 have indicated that the residues would not be dangerous to public health. Moreover, there are stringent statutory limits to the amount of arsenic which may be in any food including home grown and imported potatoes as sold.