asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that recently in the Borough of Lambeth it was found that a local meat retailer boiled pork and beef in a portable copper situated in a yard full of flies and other insects attracted by neighbouring dustbins, and that the medical officer of health traced 24 cases of food poisoning to this tainted source; and will he consider introducing legislation to give local authorities-increased power in order to deal with such practices which are dangerous to public health?

My right hon. Friend has received a copy of the report of the medical officer of health on the case to which the hon. and gallant Member refers. He is considering what steps may be practicable and desirable with a view to regulating the conditions under which food is prepared.

As this is a very serious question, is the hon. Gentleman aware that, if the local authorities had wider powers, practices of this kind could not exist; and will he take steps to give local authorities power to put a atop to these things?

I do not think the hon. and gallant Gentleman heard my reply. I stated that my right hon. Friend was considering what steps he could take which were practical and desirable.

I did hear the reply, but while we are waiting many people may be killed by having to consume bad food.