HC Deb 02 June 1930 vol 239 cc1762-4
54. Major CARVER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the issuing of a special and distinctive sign for use by all shops, hotels and restaurants where National Mark produce may be obtained?

Mr. N. BUXTON

The Ministry supplies, free of charge, display material for use in shops where National Mark produce is on sale. The practicability of adopting some distinct sign for use by hotels and restaurants is under consideration.

56. Mr. W. B. TAYLOR

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he has information showing what is the present attitude of the Birmingham wholesale butchers towards the adoption of the National Mark in the matter of home-grown meat?

Mr. BUXTON

The Birmingham wholesale butchers have carried out their decision to cease offering their beef for grading and marking. They have been supported by a resolution passed by the retail butchers' association representing, it is believed, about 40 per cent. of the trade. Consequently, no beef was graded and marked on Saturday inside the City Meat Market. The wholesalers have stated that the scheme was of no possible disadvantage to them, and if this is the case their action would appear to show a gratuitous disregard of the interests both of the farmer and of the public. A section of the butchers interested in the trade in good quality British beef earnestly desire the continuance of the scheme, and I hope that the public will support them.

Mr. TAYLOR

Having regard to the very serious results and the lack of public spirit that such action must have, will not the right hon. Gentleman take further steps to see that this position is removed?

Mr. BUXTON

Yes, I am taking steps that greater publicity shall be given to the scheme which I think has partly suffered from insufficient public knowledge.

Viscount WOLMER

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether the co-operative societies in Birmingham are supporting the wholesale butchers?

Mr. BUXTON

One society has withdrawn its support from the scheme, owing to a misunderstanding. The other society is strongly supporting us still.

Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman send a copy of his answer to the Secretary of State for War?

Mr. ROSBOTHAM

Will the notice of the housewives of Birmingham be called to this policy of the wholesale butchers?