HC Deb 12 May 1948 vol 450 cc2118-9
50. Captain John Crowder

asked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement as to what is the purpose of Statutory Instrument No. 886 of 1948.

Dr. Summerskill

The new regulation has been made to permit the importation of carcases of mutton and lamb from which a lymphatic gland has been removed. Our regulations as now amended are in line with those in the Southern Dominions and other exporting countries where such meat is used in the ordinary course for human consumption.

Captain Crowder

Am I to understand that this Order does not apply to beef?

Dr. Summerskill

Experts tell me that it can be found in beef, but it very rarely is; it is generally found in mutton.

Dr. Barnett Stross

Can the Minister tell the House what steps are taken in the way of inspection of these carcases in order to make quite certain that they are fit for human beings to eat?

Dr. Summerskill

Yes, Sir. I am only too prepared to reassure the House. A very careful inspection is made, and I understand that the prescapular, superficial inguinal, supra mammary and precrural lymphatic glands are all removed. In addition, if a state of emaciation is found and the glands are affected, then the carcase is destroyed.

Mr. Butcher

Is it not a fact that the steps now taken by the Minister have been urged upon him for many months past by the Dominions and other people interested in increasing the meat supply?

Dr. Summerskill

I was with the hon. Gentleman in Australia in 1945, when we examined some of these carcases, and I took a special interest in the matter then. We wanted to be quite sure that this complaint was not communicable to human beings, and that is why we have delayed in making this amendment.

Mr. Scollan

Can my hon. Friend say what steps are being taken to let the people know that this kind of meat is being supplied to them in the butchers' shops? Will districts have it imposed upon them without their knowledge?

Dr. Summerskill

I have already made it clear that the meat that will be used will be quite as sound as any other meat that has not had the lymphatic gland removed from it.