§ 65. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, since the Order No. 1492, which fixes the price of raw meat for dogs, cats and other domestic animals at 8d. per pound, became effective, such meat is almost unobtainable; that a number of retail shops, known as Pussy's Butchers or Bonzo's Butchers, have ceased to deal in meat or food for animals and have transformed their business to sell horseflesh for human consumption only at prices up to 1s. 4d. per pound; and whether he can now make a statement or issue a further order governing the price and sale of this class of meat?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 15th October to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling). I understand that meat for feeding animals is on sale in many areas within the maximum prices prescribed in the Order.
§ Mr. WalkdenDoes my right hon. and gallant Friend recognise that this particular sale of horseflesh is the biggest ramp that is in existence at the present time and is the worst black market that we have operating by the same people who are running other black markets?
Major Lloyd GeorgeIf my hon. Friend will look at the answer that I gave last week, he will see that I said that steps are being taken now to control these sales.
§ Mr. WalkdenDoes the Minister recognise the urgency of the action indicated in the Question?