asked the Minister of Health whether he has any Reports on the conditions under which dried fruits and currants are handled at Smyrna; whether any of such fruits have arrived in this country in an unsatisfactory condition; and, if so, whether he will consider prohibiting their importation into this country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

Yes, Sir. I have received reports as to the conditions under which dried fruit is packed at Smyrna. Samples of the fruit have been, taken from time to time and examined in this country, but no positive evidence of contamination has been found. I am keeping the matter under observation but as at present advised, I do not think that there is sufficient reason for prohibiting the importation of the fruit into this country.

If any of this fruit is proved to be bad or unhealthy, may I assume that it will be confiscated and destroyed?

Might I ask whether some investigation of a very direct character should not be made into the conditions under which these fruits are got and packed?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

We have had investigations made, but I do not think we can have any more direct investigations than a careful examination of the food itself.

As there seems to be a great interest taken in this particular question, will the right hon. Gentleman inform the people of this country that they can get all their fruit of this description from Australia?