§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the quantity and nature of any objections to the order prohibiting the retail sales of untreated milk in Scotland after 1 August that he has received; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerSince replying to the right hon. Member on 6 May 1980 —[Vol. 984, c.65.]—I have received letters from 18 persons and organisations, and my noble Friend the Minister of State has heard oral representations from the National Farmers Union of Scotland objecting to the restriction on retail sales of untreated milk in Scotland from 1 August 1983 except in areas where a supply of heat-treated milk is not readily available. Of the correspondents, one has written 11 letters to me and the second—who has written 12 letters — has enclosed "petitions" signed by about 120 persons protesting against the "Fresh Milk Ban 1983".
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he considers there is a danger to public health from the sale of premium milk by (a) milk produced with 30 cows or fewer; and (b) milk produced with between 30 and 60 cows; if he has received any medical evidence on the subject; and, if so, if he will make such evidence publicly available.
§ Mr. YoungerConsumption of any raw, untreated milk is a potential health risk. Even when milk is produced under hygienic conditions and has a low bacterial count, it may still be contaminated with pathogenic organisms and that risk exists regardless of the size of dairy herd. The communicable diseases unit at Ruchill hospital in Glasgow carries out a continuing examination of the causes of outbreaks of salmonellosis and similar diseases which can sometimes be attributed to milk. Its findings are published from time to time. The most convenient summary of its work between 1970 and 1978 is contained in "Milk-Borne Outbreaks of Salmonellosis in Scotland", which is available from the unit.