§ 25. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the poor quality old cow beef which butchers are expected to accept as part of their meat allocation; and what action he will take.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo, Sir. All meat allocated to retail butchers for ration purposes is of a quality suitable for the ration, and if any trader does not think so, he may appeal to a special grading panel.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the Minister really say that he is not aware of the widespread dissatisfaction about the large quantity of this meat? In view of the unpleasant experience with ewe mutton, is it not about time that there was a better quality of meat?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI am well aware that there is widespread satisfaction at the better quality of meat this year than there was when the hon. Member's party were in office. With regard to the instance which, I think, the hon. Member has in mind, the meat has now been accepted by the butchers without reservation.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonIf the Minister says that the quality of the meat ration varies according to the district, is he in a position to give particulars as between Dart-ford and Epping? [Hon. Members: "Woodford."]
§ Mr. NabarroWrong again.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI did not make that observation. What I said was that any meat which a butcher dislikes can be regraded on appeal. That has happened in many cases.
§ 38. Mr. F. Willeyasked the Minister of Food what he estimates will be the consumption of home-produced car case meat and offal during 1953.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAbout 1,100,000 tons.