HC Deb 21 July 1952 vol 504 c16
22. Mr. F. Willey

asked the Minister of Food what progress has been made with the emergency building programme of slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement on Government policy regarding slaughterhouses.

The Minister of Food (Major Lloyd George)

Nine slaughterhouses, including two experimental premises, are provided for in this programme. One at Guildford is in operation and four others are expected to be completed by next October. Work should shortly start on another and discussions are proceeding about the sites for the remaining three. I cannot yet make a statement on long-term slaughtering policy.

Mr. Willey

I am sure the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will agree that this is a difficult and urgent problem. Will he do his best to expedite this building programme?

Mr. Deedes

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that some of these emergency slaughterhouses, built particularly to meet the need of foot-and-mouth disease restrictions, have suffered from cheese-paring on hygenic facilities such as fans and running water? Will he see that there is no loss of meat, as there has been on one or two occasions, through lack of these facilities?

Major Lloyd George

The word "experimental" was used when the original programme was started. My hon. Friend must not confuse these slaughterhouses with the temporary slaughterhouses put up because of foot-and-mouth disease.