HC Deb 16 June 1952 vol 502 cc763-4
19 and 20. Mr. Teeling

asked the Minister of Food (1) why the Brighton, Hove and District Butchers Association have been asked to take 800 imported mutton carcases per week throughout the summer season; whether he is aware that similar carcases have been to date causing complaints from purchasers as regards their condition and quality; for how many weeks this summer season will last; and to what extent this demand is being made throughout the United Kingdom on butchers associations in the same proportion to better types of rationed meat; and

(2) whether he is aware that the Brighton, Hove and District Butchers Association were forced to refuse this week, as wholly unsaleable, 138 imported mutton carcases of reconditioned meat; that the Wholesale Meat Suppliers Association promptly destroyed 30 of these carcases as being mildewed and spotty, but refused to replace the 138 carcases with other rationed meat; and whether he will investigate the position and arrange for saleable meat to be provided immediately in substitution.

Major Lloyd George

Issues of imported mutton in all areas are unavoidable at the present time, but they will be reduced as the summer progresses. Butchers in Brighton will not be asked to accept anything like 800 carcases a week. I have taken steps to ensure that they receive no more than a fair share.

The mutton complained about was not reconditioned. It was, I am informed, refused unseen by the representative of the Brighton and Hove butchers after careful technical examination before offer. None of the carcases was destroyed. In the opinion of qualified experts the meat was suitable for the ration, and the question of replacing it did not therefore arise.

Mr. Teeling

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend assure me that if we are not to get in Brighton so many carcasses as I mentioned in my Question, then the Butchers Association were misinformed on this matter? Also, can he give any indication for how many weeks this is likely to go on? Is he aware that we were informed that it was for the summer season, and does he realise that in a place like Brighton the summer season goes on for a very long time?

Major Lloyd George

This position was due to exceptional circumstances. I will look into the point of how long it will be, but I do not think that Brighton will get any more than the normal proportion.

Mr. Shinwell

Can the Minister give an assurance that if Brighton refuses this meat because it is not good enough, it will not be sent elsewhere—for example, to my constituency?

Major Lloyd George

I think that I can give that assurance.