asked the President of the Local Government Board whether foreign milk imported into the United Kingdom is subject to any examination and tests as to its purity; and whether the cows from which it is obtained are subject to any inspection?

Samples of imported milk are taken at frequent intervals by my inspectors, and are submitted to full bacteriological examination. I understand that in the district from which this milk is derived provision is made for the periodical examination of dairy cattle by veterinary surgeons.

May I ask is the examination carried out by the Local Government Board?

The examination is not made by the Local Government Board, but by veterinary surgeons in the district from which the milk is derived.

Does the reply of the hon. Gentleman apply to milk powder, as well as to fresh milk imported from abroad?

The question relates to milk alone, and to that the answer is confined.