HC Deb 17 November 1948 vol 458 cc368-9
48. Mr. Royle

asked the Minister of Food if his attention has been called to a case in Lancashire of which details have been sent to him, in which certain persons have used diseased meat from horses and cattle for the manufacture of food for human consumption; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that such misdemeanour is impossible in the future.

Mr. Strachey

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Burke), on 11th November.

Mr. Royle

Although the steps that have been taken already in this matter are greatly appreciated, would my right hon. Friend consider one further safeguard—that of asking all local authorities to undertake regular inspection of all premises where manufactured meat is prepared?

Mr. Strachey

I sympathise with my hon. Friend's objective, but I think that is more a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, under whose authority these inspections take place.

Mr. Royle

Would my right hon. Friend consult with the Minister of Health?

Mr. Gerald Williams

Can the Minister say whether horseflesh was used in this case for human consumption?

Mr. Strachey

In the Burnley case, yes.

Mr. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he gave an answer to a Question I put to him about a year ago, in which he said that horseflesh was never used in this country for such a purpose?

Mr. Strachey

An offence was committed in this case, and penalties were enforced by the court.

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