§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will set up an investigation into the bacterial contamination which occurs in tea and coffee vending machines.
§ Sir K. JosephI do not consider an investigation necessary. These machines are subject to the comprehensive requirements of the Food Hygiene (Markets, Stalls and Delivery Vehicles) Regulations 1966 which are enforced by the local268W authorities. Among other things, it would be an offence under the regulations if a vending machine were in such a condition as to expose the beverage to the risk of contamination.
In addition, my Department has issued a code of practice which gives advice and guidance on hygiene in the operation of all coin-operated food vending machines, and which was prepared in collaboration with the Automatic Vending Association of Britain and in consultation with local authority associations and medical and other representative interests.