HC Deb 14 December 1953 vol 522 cc23-4
36. Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Food when he expects to reach a decision about resiting the abattoir at Adamsdown, Cardiff, in view of the continuing complaints of the local residents

Major Lloyd George

I cannot at present add to what I said on this subject in my reply to the hon. Member on 23rd October.

Mr. Callaghan

Does the Minister realise that I have seen clusters of flies swarming on offal left in the open within 50 yards of houses where families are living? Will he please hurry up and take a decision in this case, because it is now a menace to health?

Major Lloyd George

It is not a question of my hurrying up and taking a decision. The hon. Member probably knows that a committee has been looking into the whole question of the siting of slaughterhouses, covering the whole of England and Wales. It is not a matter that can be dealt with quickly. As soon as we get the committee's report I shall be in a position to deal with it.

Mr. Callaghan

Cannot the Minister come to an exceptional decision? He knows that an alternative site has been canvassed for this slaughterhouse, which, in its present situation, is unsuitable.

Major Lloyd George

No, Sir. If I make it an exception in the case of one local authority, I might just as well not have set up the committee.