59. Lieut.-Commander Clark Hutchisonasked the Minister of Food if he can now make any announcement in regard to the revocation of the Meat Products and Canned Meat (Control and Maximum Prices) Order, 1948, and the Meat Products and Canned Meat (Amendment) Order, 1949.
§ Mr. WebbThe time has not yet come for the complete revocation of this Order. I have, however, already amended it in the case of sausages and I am considering whether further amendments can be made.
Lieut.-Commander HutchisonWill the Minister bear in mind that those engaged in the trade think that this Order has now outlived its usefulness?
§ Mr. WebbI am well aware of their views on the matter; but our main concern at the moment must be to get the largest supply of cheap, good meat to the largest number of people.
§ 62. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Food what new legislation he proposes to introduce to give effect to the recommendations in the report of the Working Party appointed by him to consider the production of manufactured meat.
§ Mr. WebbI am indebted to the Working Party for their report; their recommendations are being considered but I am not yet able to say what new legislation I may decide to propose.
§ Mr. JannerIs my right hon. Friend aware that this report warns that most of the recent large number of food poisoning cases originated in these products, and is he prepared to take into consideration their recommendations for the registration of places where meat products are manufactured or stored?
§ Mr. WebbI cannot anticipate our decision on this report. It may be that many of the recommendations can be carried out under existing law. Until we have decided our views on the whole field, I would rather not comment on any particular aspect of the report.
§ Mr. OakshottIs the Minister aware of the great dissatisfaction in the meat trade at the inclusion of stuff called imported boneless mutton in the issue of meat for manufacturing purposes? Does he appreciate that they think that it is quite unfit for manufacture?