§ Mr. FELLasked the President of the Local Government Board how much of the Chinese pork has now been passed and placed upon the market; if the same was all in a good condition; and when the report of the inspectors will be received?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. John Burns)I am informed that 1,182carcases out of the whole consignment of Chinese pork had, up to and including yesterday, been thawed out and examined; 107 carcases had been condemned, and the remaining 1,075 carcases had been passed as fit for consumption. I understand that a Report to the Corporation by the medical officer of health, in which he refers to the results of the examination of the carcases, so far as it has at present been carried out will be issued to-day.
§ Mr. JOHN DILLONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will not take into consideration the desirability of absolutely prohibiting the importation of Chinese pork into this country for human food?
§ Mr. FELLWill the report referred to by the right hon. Gentleman be laid on the Table of the House?
§ Mr. BURNSThe report I have referred to is a public document, and may be had from the medical officer of health of the Port Sanitary Authority.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has received an assurance from the British Ambassador in China that all these pigs have been fed on cooked rice.
§ Mr. BURNSInquiries were made by the Local Government Board some months ago, before this consignment arrived, as to the character of the pork and as to the method of feeding the pigs, and we were quite satisfied that it was satisfactory. I can state further, in answer to the hon. Member, that the "Meat Trade Journal," says:—
Such of it as we had the opportunity of seeing was excellent pork of its kind, and that it realised the prices quoted proves it; finally, that it passed the double extra inspection of the Port Sanitary Authority, and the eagle-eyed examination of the practical meat inspectors attached to the Central Meat Market, demonstrates that such of it as went, into the hands of the retail butcher was sound and wholesome.I have myself gone with my officers into refrigerating stores in the wholesale market and into the retail shops, and I also had the pleasure of going down to the New Cut, Lambeth, on Saturday night to see whether the opinion of those better qualified than myself could be affirmed by a layman.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask whether all these condemned carcases are burned under the eyes of the Inspector of the Local Government Board?
§ Mr. BURNSCondemned carcases, whether they come from America, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or any part of England, are not allowed to be used for human consumption.
§ Mr. JOHN DILLONHas the right hon. Gentleman tasted the pork?
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask what guarantee there is that these condemned carcases are not used for human consumption?
§ Mr. BURNSThe Port Sanitary Authority and the riverside local authorities when they condemn animals as being unfit for human consumption either have them chemically destroyed or send them to the dust-destructor to be burned.
§ Mr. FELLasked the President of the Local Government Board if he has received any advices of any further cargoes or shipments of pork from China, either arrived or expected shortly to arrive in England?