74. Sir F. HALLasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that London butchers are still having allotted to them old cow meat which, in pre-war days, would have been condemned as unfit for human consumption, and that in many cases London butchers are having delivered to them meat of inferior quality which is practically nothing but skin and bone; will he say on what grounds such meat is imported, seeing that there is no nutriment in it; and whether, considering the price that is demanded by the butchers in consequence of the cost of them, he will preclude altogether the importation into this country of such inferior meat?
§ Mr. CLYNESAs the hon. and gallant Member was informed on Monday, the answer to this question was printed in last Thursday's OFFICIAL REPORT.
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I withdrew the question 417 owing to it being so late on the list, and, in the circumstances, will he be good enough to give the reply in the House?
§ Mr. CLYNESI think the answer was not given in the House because the question was not reached.
Sir F. HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great importance London butchers attach to this question, and will he give instructions, or has he cabled instructions abroad that his buyers are not to purchase any more of this emaciated cow-beef that is being distributed so largely in London?
§ Mr. CLYNESIf the hon. and gallant Member will look at the terms of the reply, as it has been printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT, and will cast his mind back to the information given to him together with a deputation which came to the House two or three days ago, he will have all the information as to our efforts to improve the quality.
Sir F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman reply to that one question, whether he will do so or has done so?
§ Mr. CLYNESCertainly.