§ The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Major NEWMAN: 28. To ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware of eases of tuberculosis being discovered in the beef lately arriving from Ireland; whether, in the case of beef slaughtered in Ireland and exported to this country, the beef is first inspected by his Board or by other responsible authority, as is, or was, enforced in the case of Dutch beef, and a label then affixed stating, passed fit for export; and, if not, will this be done in the future?
§ Major NEWMANI beg to postpone this question. May I ask when we may expect the Chief Secretary back?
§ Mr. SAMUELSI will inform the hon. Gentleman.
§ 54. Mr. FIELDasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there was much delay and disappointment in the delivery of meat to the retail traders last week-end; whether arrangements will be made to ensure greater punctuality, especially regarding frozen meat, which cannot be conveniently cut up until it is partially thawed, and ought to be delivered at least thirty-six hours before distribution; whether he is aware that in consequence of those occurrences many persons had to go several times to the shops and wait for hours, sometimes without obtaining the amount of meat according to their cards; and whether steps will be taken to avoid this in future?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of FOOD (Mr. Clynes)The delay in the delivery of meat to retail traders at the end of lust week was due to the fact that the submitted requirements were incomplete. Steps have been taken to obtain from local food control committees complete and accurate returns of requirements, in order that supplies of frozen meat may be issued early in each week. The fact that the number of persons attending food queues within the Metropolitan Police area, on 2nd March, was only one-fifth of those who had to wait on 23rd February, testifies to the 2101 value of the scheme, and I am glad to think that the co-operation of dealers, butchers, and the public generally, enabled the reorganisation of the meat trade, which rationing has involved, to be carried through with a considerable measure of success.