HC Deb 11 February 1953 vol 511 cc409-11
38. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Food where applications can he made for an ox to roast at the Coronation; from whom such applications will be received; and how many will be granted.

Major Lloyd George

Any local authority, or any other responsible body which has made a custom of ox roasting at Coronations will be permitted to obtain an ox for this purpose during Coronation week provided the cooked meat is given away free to those at the festivity. Organisers of such festivities should consult their local food office as licences will be necessary whether the ox is obtained by gift or purchase.

Mrs. Mann

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his reply. being factual, cannot he in any way stated to be characteristic of his usual replies. and could I ask him where local authorities can get an ox? Is he aware that local authorities have informed me that they have not got an ox, that they have not even got a mutton chop, and if it is the case that certain local authorities have got an ox is that not rather unfair to all the other local authorities who have not got one?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Major Lloyd George

If I were to answer half of what the hon. Lady has asked, I should require to have a great deal of notice.

Lady Tweedsmuir

What will happen if every city and large borough applies to roast an ox?

Major Lloyd George

I said "Any local authority, or any other responsible body," and I have no doubt at all that we shall be able to meet the demand.

42. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Food what applications he has up to the present received from local authorities to roast an ox whole, in celebration of the Coronation.

Major Lloyd George

So far about 50 applications or inquiries.

Mr. Freeman

Is this ceremony to be performed and the animal sacrificed in honour of Her Majesty the Queen? If so, is it the Minister's intention to sweep away all controls in this matter and allow this animal to be battered to death with a pole axe, as in the old-fashioned way, and is it intended to allow children to see this exhibition and the steps leading up to it? Is it the intention to throw slaughterhouses open and allow children to be taken on conducted tours of inspection on the occasion of this disgusting exhibition?

Major Lloyd George

The hon. Member has some very queer ideas about things in this country. These oxen will be slaughtered in the ordinary way in which thousands of animals are slaughtered every week, and there is no question of exhibitions such as the hon. Member suggests.

Mr. Mitchison

How many of these inquiries and applications have resulted in the delivery of an ox, and from where?

Mr. Freeman

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.