§ MR. RIDSDALE (Brighton)To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will issue a Return of the amount of refrigerated and frozen beef condemned by the inspectors since 1st July, 1906, with the ports of origin, where known, and the names of the consignors.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) Perhaps I may be allowed to answer this Question. The Local Government Board have not in their possession the information desired, and it would be necessary, in order to obtain it, to apply to some 1,800 local authorities in England and Wales alone. It is very doubtful whether the information could in all cases be obtained, especially as regards the names of the foreign consignors. It appears to me that the Return would be so far from being trustworthy and complete that it would not serve any useful purpose. In these circumstances, I regret that I do not see my way to assent to its being given.