HC Deb 11 April 1951 vol 486 cc1024-5
57. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Minister of Food how many of his staff are employed in buying meat in Ireland; and what are their names, qualifications and salaries.

Mr. Webb

My Department does not employ any staff in the Irish Republic to buy livestock or meat. Irish shippers deliver cattle and sheep to certain points in this country for purchase by my Department.

Sir W. Smithers

May I ask the Minister what members of his staff are responsible for buying this meat? Although I have no particular personal interest, is he aware that the people who have gone to Ireland are the laughingstock of the whole place?

Mr. Webb

I do not think that any people are particularly allocated for the handling of this meat. It comes through the normal machinery for handling the whole of our meat supplies at our ports.