HC Deb 10 February 1953 vol 511 cc214-5
40. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far the committee which he has set up to study the siting of slaughterhouses is empowered to consider the more general questions of slaughter and marketing.

Mr. J. Stuart

The committee which I am setting up will be empowered to review generally the siting of slaughterhouses and facilities they should provide. It will not be concerned with marketing policy.

Mr. Grimond

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the whole question of the siting of slaughterhouses is of very great importance in Scotland and that a great deal of preliminary work will have to be done before any new scheme can be brought in? Will he give as much advance information as he can to the farmers concerned so that they have a chance to work things out in advance?

Mr. Stuart

At the moment there is no intention of altering the functions and duties of the Ministry of Food. A change in the marketing system would arise only when controls could be done away with.

Mr. Hastings

When considering his plans, will the Secretary of State give special attention to seeing that in slaughtering there is no unnecessary cruelty to the animals concerned?

Mr. Stuart

Certainly, Sir.