§ MR. RICHARDSON (Nottingham, S.)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he has any official information as to the number of worn-out horses sent from Nottingham and Worksop to the Continent, and as to whether these animals are there converted into sausages and then imported into this country for consumption as human food; if so, can he say to what port on the Continent they are exported; and what proportion of this sausage is consumed in this country.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. JOHN BURNS, Battersea)I have no information as to the number of worn-out horses sent from Nottingham and Worksop to the Continent. I have not met with any definite evidence pointing to the importation into this country of sausages prepared from horses, though it is sometimes alleged that sausage meat imported in bulk contains horse meat. I have the subject of the importation of sausage meat under consideration in connection with the regulations which I am preparing under the Public Health (Regulations as to Food) Act of last session.
§ MR. RICHARDSONCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the regulations will be ready?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSSo far as my Department is concerned, very soon, but I cannot promise when specific action will be taken as other interests have to be consulted.
§ MR. JOHN WARDDoes the right hon. Gentleman's Answer indicate an intention to draw up regulations allowing horse-flesh sausages to come in?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSNot if I can help it.