§ 36. Captain Duncanasked the Minister of Food if he will make a statement regarding the results of his experiments in cold storing meat in 1952; and whether he will extend this experiment this year.
Dr. HillLast year about 2,000 tons of pork and 20 tons of home-killed beef were frozen. This meat has now been issued and its condition was satisfactory. Experiments are continuing, and special facilities for them are being provided at the new Government slaughterhouse at Fareham.
§ Captain DuncanWould my hon. Friend agree that the cold storage of home killed meat was surprisingly satisfactory, and is he experimenting with chilling meat as well as with freezing it?
Dr. HillNo, Sir. I would add that the freezing down of home-killed meat would add to its cost and lower its value, and it is right that there should be technical investigation before we commit ourselves to the policy.