§ 15. Mr. Sutcliffeasked the Minister of Food to state the progress made in the rebuilding of municipal abattoirs; how many have been completed; and the number of instances in which the plans have been passed.
§ Mr. StracheyWe have as yet been able to make little progress with rebuilding abattoirs, partly because of the priority given to more urgent building work and partly because in only two or three cases have local authorities as yet produced firm plans and estimates.
§ Mr. SutcliffeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some local authorities are perturbed because they have had an official answer that sanction is held up owing to the Government's intention to prepare plans for the marketing and distribution of all main foods as part of their long-term policy, and that no final decision can be made until all interests have been consulted? Is that not delaying building most seriously?
§ Mr. StracheyNo, Sir. I should like to make it clear that in cases where the local authorities can put up a good case, and where the building of abattoirs is likely to fall in with long-term plans, we are quite willing to consider sanction in the immediate future.