HC Deb 27 February 1918 vol 103 cc1361-2
56. Mr. FIELD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether in most Continental cities and towns the bodies of beef only slightly affected by local tuberculosis are sterilised and sold at a lower price; whether he is aware that no evil effect has arisen there from; and whether, in view of this fact, and also taking into consideration the scarcity and high price of meat, he will consider the advisability of utilising good food by adopting the Continental practice?

Mr. CLYNES

I am aware that in most Continental cities bodies of beef which are slightly affected by tuberculosis are steri- lised and used for human food. They are, however, sterilised in suitable apparatus, and under proper veterinary control. A certain amount of tuberculous meat is being similarly dealt with in Scotland at the present time. I am in communication with the Local Government Board as to the advisability of extending this method of treatment.

58. Mr. FIELD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that a considerable item covered by the 30s. levy at Birkenhead is for insurance against possible condemnation of animals suffering from tuberculosis, he can furnish particulars of any such payment having been made; and whether it is intended to pay compensation in future for tuberculosis confiscations?

Mr. CLYNES

The 30s. per head charge collected at Birkenhead covers the cost of insurance premiums paid to underwriters, who have paid out £2,480 during the month of January in respect of claims for condemnation. Such claims will be dealt with by underwriters in this manner until further notice.

60. Colonel BURN

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if a retail butcher is entitled to compensation from the Central Live Stock Fund, or any other fund, in the event of a bullock allotted to him being found to be tuberculous after it is killed, seeing that the butcher has had to pay the headage charge of 30s. for every bullock allotted?

Mr. CLYNES

The present per head charge of 30s. on fat cattle docs not ordinarily cover insurance against the condemnation of animals found to be suffering from tuberculosis, but it is intended at an early date to make an addition to the charge sufficient to cover such insurance.