§ 69. Major HOWARDasked the Food Controller whether he is aware that butchers are being pressed by local distributors for payments for meat which has been condemned as unfit for human food and destroyed; and what steps are being taken to punish those responsible for the distribution of bad meat?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe Ministry of Food does not require payment for any meat which may be condemned within forty-eight hours of delivery to the retailer, but it does not and cannot be expected to accept liability for meat condemned after longer periods. All meat is subject to careful inspection and only meat fit for human consumption is issued; although it occasionally happens that delay in transport or other causes lead to deterioration before delivery. There is no ground for the hon. and gallant Member's implication that the Ministry's agents are responsible for the distribution of unsound meat.
§ Mr. McGUFFINWhen does the forty-eight hours count from— from the time it leaves London or the time it arrives at the local station?
§ Mr. McCURDYThe forty-eight hours counts from the time the meat is delivered to the retailer.