HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 cc12-3
22. Mr. Gerald Williams

asked the Minister of Food what has been the reduction in the number of slaughterhouses in Great Britain since 1940; and what is the present number of such slaughterhouses.

Mr. Strachey

There has been a reduction of 202 in the number of slaughterhouses operated in Great Britain since 1940. The number of slaughterhouses at present in use is 606.

Mr. Williams

In view of that reduction, would the Minister consider opening some of the old slaughterhouses and so increase the efficiency of the whole slaughterhouse operation?

Mr. Strachey

No, Sir. I should have thought that opening the old, closed down slaughterhouses would probably decrease efficiency.

Sir Ralph Glyn

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me why that is quite a different answer from the one I received from his Parliamentary Secretary last week?

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