§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTON (Middlesex, Ealing)To ask the hon. Member for North Huntingdon, hire, as representing the Board of Agriculture, if his attention has been directed to the absence of uniformity in the various systems of meat inspection now in local operation in England, and whether he would consider the advisability of establishing some system of branding or certificate, such as exits in other countries, by which butchers and other vendors of meat who have purchased their supplies from Smithfield, or some other central market under scientific inspection, may be able to associate with the meat so purchased the certificate which passed the meat as sound and free from disease.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) My attention has been drawn to the alleged absence of uniformity as regards meat inspection by local authorities in England, and I have instructed one of the medical inspectors of my Department to make inquiry on the subject. I will give consideration to the suggestion of my noble friend in connection with the report of the inspector when it is received.