HC Deb 16 June 1952 vol 502 cc761-2
16. Mr. Deedes

asked the Minister of Food what representations he has received on the subject of slaughter facilities in the county of Kent; and, in view of the dislocation of the service caused by foot-and-mouth standstill orders, what action he is proposing to take to deal with the situation.

Major Lloyd George

Representations have been made to me on this matter by the National Farmers' Union. To meet the situation we have temporarily reopened as many small slaughterhouses as possible, but whatever we do we cannot ensure that during outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease the purchase and slaughter of stock shall proceed as smoothly as usual.

Mr. Deedes

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that, during recent weeks, conditions have really been akin to chaos in many areas of Kent and that it has been represented that the reactions of his Ministry to the many representations that have been made on the subject have not been as swift or helpful as they might have been? Will he see that there is an investigation into the conditions on the spot?

Major Lloyd George

While I very much appreciate the difficulties which farmers in this area are undergoing at present, I do not think that my hon. Friend is being quite fair in this respect. Obviously it is impossible to have slaughter-houses and expert staff to meet all the contingencies which arise from time to time. Nine new slaughter-houses are being built at the moment, six of which are in the South and East of Britain. One is being built in Canterbury, and it will be opened in October. We have been able to open six temporary slaughter-houses, which are doing something to relieve the congestion.

17. Mr. Deedes

asked the Minister of Food how many pigs, at the last convenient date, had been notified as awaiting slaughter in the county of Kent.

Major Lloyd George

The number of pigs at present said to be awaiting slaughter and held up by foot-and-mouth disease restrictions is about 2,700.