HC Deb 01 November 1909 vol 12 cc1429-30
Mr. FELL

asked the President of the Local Government Board if any further report has been received with regard to the condition of the Chinese pork now at the docks; how many further carcases have been examined; and how many, if any, have been condemned by the inspector?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. J. Burns)

I am informed that since 7th October, the date of the hon. Member's last question on this subject, 1,469 carcases have been examined, and of these 83 were condemned.

Mr. FELL

As to 3,000 or 4,000 carcases being left over, are these being kept back for the Christmas market?

Mr. BURNS

I have no information to that effect.

Mr. FELL

asked if the inspectors have reported if it is possible to distinguish Chinese pork, when exposed for sale, from English or Irish pork?

Mr. BURNS

I do not think it would be possible to distinguish Chinese pork from English or Irish, except in its fresh and uncured condition, when the inspector might be able to say that the pork had been frozen, and, therefore, was probably not English or Irish.

Mr. FELL

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is damaging the sale of English pork in the market as the people fear they may be buying Chinese pork?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is a matter of opinion.