HC Deb 04 April 1910 vol 16 cc16-7
Mr. FLAVIN

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention had been called to the arrival at Liverpool of a consignment of Chinese pork, and to the fact that, in connection with its arrival, a member at a recent meeting of the public health committee at Liverpool declared that Chinese pigs were the common scavengers of the street refuse; whether the local public health medical officer had examined the pork; if so, with what result; and whether he could say what had been done with this shipment of Chinese pork?

Mr. BURNS

My attention has been drawn to the consignment referred to, and I have already answered several questions on the subject. In regard to the latter part of the question, perhaps I may refer the hon. Member to my replies to similar questions on the 10th and 14th ultimo.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

May I ask if this Chinese pork does not come under the head offal?

Mr. BURNS

No; not the Chinese pork I have seen.

Mr. PETO

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will take steps to encourage the importation of live German horses instead of dead Chinese pigs?

Mr. FLAVIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what has become of this consignment of Chinese pork?

Mr. BURNS

I could not say what has become of it, but I know that no unsound, unclean, or diseased food from any part of the world has been allowed into this country.

Mr. FLAVIN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Chinese pigs are fed on the remains of human beings? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh !"] That is the statement of the Public Health Committee of Liverpool, not mine.