HC Deb 03 February 1930 vol 234 cc1492-4
57. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the weekly market price lists of leading London stores in which customers are informed that unless English meat is specifically ordered imported meat will be supplied; and whether he can take steps to bring the value of the national-mark system to the notice of the managers of such stores?

Mr. N. BUXTON

My attention has been drawn to one such case as that referred to by the hon. Member, and I am informed that, in this particular case, the establishment concerned sells a good proportion of national-mark beef as also do most of the leading London stores. I will, however, bring to the notice of the London stores the desirability of stating in their lists whether they sell national-mark beef.

Mr. HURD

Could the right hon. Gentleman go further and suggest to the London stores that they would be doing a good service to their customers if British meat were preferred?

Mr. BUXTON

The Ministry of Agriculture are conducting an active campaign in that direction.

61. Lord LYMINGTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture in how many of the 100 abattoirs established by local authorities in England and Wales a national-mark scheme of graded homegrown meat is working?

Mr. BUXTON

The National Mark Beef Scheme is at present limited to beef for the London and Birmingham markets, where beef grading and marking operations take place in the respective abattoirs of the local authorities.

Lord LYMINGTON

Would the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he proposes to extend the scheme of national marked beef to other public abattoirs as soon as he can?

Mr. BUXTON

We prefer to await the result of the present regional plan a little longer.

76. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the results of tests made in public institutions of the price and nutrition values of Home as compared with imported chilled meats; and whether he will take steps to encourage these institutions to support Home production?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Miss Lawrence)

My right hon. Friend is not aware of the tests to which the hon. Member refers. He recently addressed a circular to all local authorities impressing on them the desirability of making use to the utmost extent practicable of goods of home production. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.

Mr. HURD

Will the hon. Lady consult with the Minister of Agriculture as to the details of these important tests which are being carried out in Cheshire and elsewhere?

Miss LAWRENCE

If the hon. Member will send me particulars, I shall be very glad to confer with my right hon. Friend.

Earl WINTERTON

Is the hon. Lady's Department in full touch with the Ministry of Agriculture in regard to this campaign for the greater purchase of British meat?

Miss LAWRENCE

Oh, yes, we are in very close and most cordial co-operation.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Lady also in close and cordial co-operation with the Army and Navy on this matter?

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