§ 7. Mr. Greyasked the Minister of Food how many slaughter houses are in use in the areas of Durham City, Hetton and Spennymoor; and how many more will be available by 3rd July, 1954.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo slaughterhouse in these three districts is at present being used by my Department. I am informed by the local authorities concerned that 20 slaughterhouses in all are licensed for use on decontrol and that applications for 13 other premises are under consideration.
§ Mr. GreyIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied that adequate slaughtering arrangements will be made for all of the areas mentioned in the Question by 3rd July?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI think so, judging from the information I have had from the local authorities concerned.
§ Mr. BaldwinIn view of the urgency of having the slaughterhouses by 3rd July, will my right hon. and gallant Friend instruct his officials to consider quickly all applications being made for them?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeWe are in very close touch with the local authorities and I am getting very full reports from all over the country. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are keeping very closely in touch with the position.
§ Mr. RoyleCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman yet say how many slaughterhouses it is intended to open throughout the country?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI think the hon. Gentleman will remember that I recently ventured a reference to a figure of between 2,000 and 2,500. The number will depend upon their size, but it will be about that.
§ Mr. H. HyndWhilst recognising the necessity for opening so many slaughterhouses at once, may I ask the Minister if he is satisfied that all the new ones are up to present-day standards as regards the conditions of slaughter?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI think the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that we hope the present-day standards will be much higher than in the past. All I can say at the moment is that during this temporary period we shall have the highest standard possible.