asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the representations of county and borough councils, based on the advice of their respective medical officers, that a limit should be placed on the use of preservatives in food; and whether he will appoint a Committee of investigation into the question, seeing that for many years the local authorities have been urging that action should be taken?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have already taken preliminary steps to appoint a small Committee to inquire into the general question of the use of preservatives and colouring matters in food.