HC Deb 20 November 1941 vol 376 cc446-7
32. Mr. Martin

asked the Minister of Health whether the agreements governing the export of foodstuffs destined for this country for other Dominions also maintain in the case of Eire; if not, what measures are taken to ensure the standards of purity of foodstuffs arriving in this country; and whether he is satisfied with the adequacy of such measures?

Mr. E. Brown

Official certificates given by the country of origin are not required in the case of meat and meat products coming from Eire, but all foodstuffs imported from that country as from other countries, are subject to inspection here. I am aware of certain instances in which these meat products have been unsatisfactory, and my Department and the Ministry of Food are giving special attention to the matter and are in communication with the Eire authorities.

Mr. Martin

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been considerable evidence of a great measure of evasion of these inspections?

Mr. Brown

I could not accept that general statement. I am aware that in a certain borough of which the hon. Member and I have knowledge the attention of the Council has been drawn by the Ministry of Food to this case.