§ 59. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Food whether he is satisfied that the existing system of inspection in slaughterhouses is sufficient to prevent cruelty to the animals.
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir. Each slaughterhouse is in charge of a manager, a whole-time employee of the Ministry, who is responsible for seeing that the animals are properly dealt with.
§ Mr. BossomIs it not a fact that there is terrific congestion in these slaughterhouses at the present time; and cannot the Minister look into this, because I am afraid that if she had reviewed the situation thoroughly she would not have given me the answer she has just read out?
§ Dr. SummerskillIf the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars of any specific case in which there is alleged cruelty, I will gladly look into it.
§ Mr. TeelingIs not the hon. Lady aware that there is very strong feeling on this subject all over the country?
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonIs the hon. Lady's reply to be taken as equivalent to saying she believes there is no cruelty in slaughterhouses in this country?
§ Dr. SummerskillThere is not widespread cruelty. I repeat, I am prepared 1181 to look into any case. It is quite impossible for me to reassure the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom), who has put down a Question of this kind before, unless he gives me the details.
§ Mr. BossomIs not the Minister responsible for this, and do hon. Members have to tell him when he is wrong?
§ Dr. SummerskillI understand that is the duty of the Opposition.