§ 35. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, before coming to any decision as to the establishment of any scheme for the centralised slaughtering of livestock, he is prepared to receive a deputation from the numerous trade associations concerned, both in slaughtering and in the utilisation of animal by-products?
§ Mr. ELLIOTMy hon. Friend will be aware that in the White Paper on the Livestock Situation (Cmd. 4651) presented to Parliament last July, it was announced that it would be an essential function of the permanent Commission contemplated in the Government's long-term policy to co-operate with all interests concerned in a reform of marketing and slaughtering systems, with a view to greater economy and efficiency, 1318 which the Government regard as indispensable to the permanent prosperity of the livestock industry. The problem of centralised slaughtering of livestock is being carefully examined and I shall be happy to hear the views of the interests concerned in due course. A deputation such as my hon. Friend suggests would, however, be premature at the present time.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESWhen the right hon. Gentleman is considering the effect upon trade associations, will he bear in mind the associations of the slaughter-men who are engaged in these slaughter-houses?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have said that I shall be happy to hear the views of the interests concerned.