HC Deb 03 March 1896 vol 38 cc20-1
MR. C. J. ENGLEDOW (Kildare, N.)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, (1) whether he is aware that Irish farmers suffer through the sale of foreign fed meat as home fed meat; and (2) whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to compel the seller of foreign meat to expose in a conspicuous place a notice to the effect that he is a dealer in such foreign meat?

MR. RITCHIE

The Board of Trade have received only two complaints (viz., in 1894) from Irish bodies in regard to the, sale of foreign fed meat as home fed meat. The amount of foreign meat imported into Ireland directly is very small. I am unable, as at present advised, to give the, undertaking suggested in the second paragraph of the question.

MR. ENGLEDOW

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the grievance is that the misrepresentation interferes with the sale of Irish meat?

MR. RITCHIE

No doubt; and of English meat too.

MR. A. F. JEFFREYS (Hants,) Basingstoke

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Bill has been introduced on this subject, and, when it comes before the House, will he give it his approval?

MR. RITCHIE

With regard to any proposed legislation, I must refer my hon. Friend to the Minister for Agriculture.