§ MR. DIXON-HARTLANDasked the President of the Board of Trade, Whether he has seen that at the Guildhall Police Court on Friday last, Alderman W. Lawrence ordered six casks, containing 200 putrid American hams, weighing about 18 cwt., to be destroyed, which had been exposed for sale in the Central Meat Market; and, whether he is prepared to recommend that communication should be made with the American authorities with the view to their taking some steps to prevent similar exportations?
§ MR. CHAMBERLAIN, in reply, said, as far as he was able to gather the particulars of this case from the Question of the hon. Member, it appeared that the existing law was sufficient for the protection of the consumer. He had no information whether the hams referred to by the hon. Member were obtained from America in a bad state, or whether they became putrid in this country. If the latter, of course no restriction upon exportation would have any effect; and if the former, he was of opinion the action 770 of the consignee would be more influential upon the consignor than anything Her Majesty's Government could do.