HC Deb 12 May 1948 vol 450 cc2117-8
49. Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the widespread complaints of the quality of the Danish beef being sold in the shops; and what action he is taking.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)

I am aware that there have been some complaints. Danish beef does not rank with the best of our supplies, but none that has been issued was unfit for consumption. We are giving the Danes all the help we can to secure an improvement in preparing the meat, and any which is not suitable for the ration is issued for manufacturing.

Mr. Gammans

Is it not a fact that this cow beef was sold to this country by the Danes only for manufacturing purposes, and that they have objected most strongly to its being sold for any other purpose, because of the bad name it thus gives to Danish products generally?

Dr. Summerskill

No, not at all. It was quite understood that this was going to be used for the ration.