HC Deb 22 May 1950 vol 475 cc1634-5
25. Major H. Johnson

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that ox cheek, which requires five to six hours stewing to render it edible, was last week allocated to Brighton retail butchers for manufacture into sausages and having regard to its unsuitability for this purpose, whether he will take steps to prevent its continued allocation.

Mr. F. Willey

I am aware that a proportion of the manufacturing meat allocated last week to Brighton retail butchers was in the form of ox cheeks. I am advised that raw ox cheeks are suitable for use with other meat in making sausages.

Major Johnson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Brighton butchers last week broke the metal parts of their mincing machines in trying to mince ox cheek. If it has that effect on mincing machines what effect will it have on the digestion of those who consume it?

Mr. Willey

No, Sir, I am not so aware; but I am aware that in the North Country ox cheeks are looked forward to with relish.

Miss Horsbrugh

Could not the ox cheeks be sent where they are wanted, instead of to Brighton, where they happen not to be wanted?

26. Major Johnson

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that bruised Argentine cow meat was last week allocated to Brighton retail butchers for manufacture into sausages, and having regard to the danger to the health of persons consuming bruised meat, he will take steps to prevent its continued allocation.

Mr. F. Willey

So far as I am aware the quality of the manufacturing meat allocated last week to Brighton butchers was satisfactory It is, of course, the retailer's duty to ask the local meat inspector to examine any meat about which he is doubtful and we have arrangements to replace any meat which the inspector may condemn.

Major Johnson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if the butchers were so foolhardy as to make such a complaint through the usual channels, they would be infested with hordes of inspectors who would make their lives quite unbearable?

Mr. Willey

It would be better if they first made their complaints through the usual channels.