HC Deb 03 March 1938 vol 332 cc1285-6
73. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the resentment that has been aroused in Yorkshire at the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of the Malton graders on 11th January; whether any complaint at their methods of grading had been made except as a result of visits to the market made by Mr. D. W. Wright, the late inspector supervising the grading at Malton; whether it has been alleged that at any time any of the graders did not act in good faith; and whether the Livestock Commission will either reinstate the three graders or afford them the opportunity of presenting their case at a public inquiry or of appealing against their dismissal?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

I am aware that the dismissal of the certifying authority at Malton has given rise to representations. As regards the second part of the question, reports on the unsatisfactory grading at Malton had been made by two other officers, and also by a firm of wholesale butchers. As regards the third part, the grounds on which the appointments were terminated by the Livestock Commission were stated in the reply I gave to my hon. Friend on 21st February, to which I have nothing to add. As regards the last part, I understand that the Livestock Commission see no justification for adopting any of the courses mentioned.

Mr. Turton

Is the Minister aware that in this period the number of rejections at Malton was one in every five animals, while at another centre looked after by Mr. Wright it was one in every 500; and will he recommend to the Livestock Commission that they should take steps to remove the feeling of injustice that is current throughout the whole of the North of England?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware of the state of things which my hon. Friend mentions; but I am aware that complaints against grading have been going on since the beginning of 1935, and I think the House will agree with me that the Livestock Commission, which has been charged by this House with the administration of the subsidy, should be supported in enforcing proper grading.

Mr. Turton

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.