HC Deb 28 July 1952 vol 504 c1084
34. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the dissatisfaction of Rugby and district pig keepers with the market at Birmingham; and whether he will consider the possibility of having a grading market at Rugby.

Dr. Hill

There is already at Rugby a livestock collecting centre at which pigs are accepted for purchase by my Department, but both at Rugby and elsewhere pigs are graded only after slaughter at the bacon factory or slaughterhouse to which they are consigned by the Ministry. If the hon. Member knows of any particular complaint I shall be glad to inquire into it.

Mr. Johnson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that pig keepers everywhere, not only in Rugby, like to see their pigs officially weighed on the spot, and since this is done for sheep and cattle, why cannot it also be done for pigs?

Dr. Hill

In order fairly to assess the weight and quality of the pig it is necessary that the examination should be undertaken after slaughter, bearing in mind that the consumption of even a modest quantity of fluid before attending at the collecting centre can have a substantial effect on the weight.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Is my hon. Friend aware that not only pigs are affected by taking in liquor, but other animals used for food as well?