57. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made with the testing scheme for antibiotics in milk; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe regular testing of milk for antibiotics is continuing at some of the larger dairies. I have asked the Joint Committee, representing the Milk Marketing Board and the buyers of milk, to arrange for testing to be done on a wider scale. Thai Committee is anxious to co-operate fully, and is examining the technical and other issues involved. The Chairman of the Milk Marketing Board has personally assured me of his concern.
7WMeanwhile, a campaign against mastitis has been mounted by my Department in co-operation with the British Veterinary Association and the Milk Marketing Board. The Board is considering a number of practical steps to prevent the distribution of contaminated milk e.g. the introduction of a simpler and more effective test and more stringent means of enforcement through the Board's contract with milk producers.
I hope, before many months are out, that all this activity will enable me to give the hon. Member an account of satisfactory progress towards a solution.