asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the presence of monosodium glutamate in food seasonings on sale in this country does not constitute a health hazard.

I am not aware of any evidence which suggests that the use of monosodium glutamate in this country constitutes a hazard to health.

I have, however, seen some recent press reports of experiments in the United States of America which indicated that this substance had produced deleterious effects in certain small animals.

I am seeking some authoritative information on the matter and I shall consider the position further when this information comes to hand.