HC Deb 17 March 1947 vol 435 cc26-7
39. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Food if he has considered particulars which have been sent to him about the conditions of slaughterhouses in Sunderland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Strachey

I have seen the report referred to and have arranged for the Sunderland slaughterhouse facilities to be examined by an officer of my Department in consultation with the local chief sanitary inspector. While the premises in use are old, they are quite adequate to their purpose. Considerable improvements have been introduced since the Ministry of Food took over the premises and further improvements are to be undertaken.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that before his officer goes there he will have to have a search warrant, and is he aware that the previous information he has given me was based on a misapprehension?

Mr. Gerald Williams

Will the Minister tell us what the Government's policy is as regards the number of slaughterhouses, because we have had two completely conflicting answers from different Ministers. Are there to be more or fewer?

Mr. Speaker

This Question relates only to slaughterhouses in Sunderland.