§ 56. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that a consignment of beef allocated to the Bristol butchers recently, was unfit to be included in the customers' rations and had to be withdrawn; and what steps he is taking to prevent a repetition of this distribution to retailers of unsuitable food.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe meat in question was issued for the ration owing to a mis- 1240 take, which was put right as soon as possible. Steps have been taken to avoid any repetition of that mistake.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the hon. Lady aware that 250 sacks of New Zealand beef were sent to Bristol; that one of the divisions in Bristol refused to accept that beef because it was not fit for human consumption; that the other four divisions accepted it under duress; and that the people of Bristol were compelled to eat beef which was unsuitable, because of the action of the Minister in this matter?
§ Dr. SummerskillI have explained that this was a mistake. Everybody is liable to make a mistake, even my hon. Friend. Although the amount does seem large, I would remind my hon. Friend that it represented only 1 per cent. of the whole.