§ 81. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Food what method is adopted for ascertaining the number of animals that are to be allowed to be slaughtered by the Jewish method; what was the total 652 weight of animals so slaughtered in 1947; whether he is satisfied that such Kosher meat is only available for Jews; and what is the amount allowed per person per week.
§ Mr. StracheyThe Ministry's slaughter house manager selects for slaughter by the Jewish method enough of the available livestock to cover the requirements of Kosher butchers. The weights of animals slaughtered by the Jewish method are not separately recorded. Anyone can register with Kosher butchers, so it may be that some Kosher meat is sold to non-Jewish consumers. But I hardly think that anyone has an inducement to do so, as at present the value of the Kosher ration is 1s. per person per week, the same as the ordinary ration. Moreover, Kosher butchers get no canned corned meat when that is part of the ration, and so their customers lose something in quantity during the year.
§ Mr. StokesCan my right hon. Friend state what is the proportion of Kosher killed meat to the total home killed meat; and if he does not know now, will he tell me if I put down a Question?
§ Mr. StracheyCertainly, Sir.