§ 2. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Food when the report of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Slaughterhouses will be published.
Mr. AmoryI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds) on 25th October.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister aware that a plan for the erection of slaughterhouses of all kinds is long overdue? Is he further aware that farmers, in the Midlands at least, are justifiably disturbed and perturbed at what they themselves term the inaction of the Government in this matter?
Mr. AmoryI do not think that there are any grounds for accusing the Government of inaction. As the hon. Member knows, the interim scheme is in operation now. There is a great deal for this Committee to look into at present, but as I told the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds), I think that we shall receive its report early next year.
§ Mr. BaldwinCan the Minister speed up this matter? Is he aware that the delay in deciding the sites of slaughterhouses is leading to delay on the part of municipal authorities, because they fear that, after they have built a slaughterhouse, it may not be in the right place and so will cause a great deal of loss? It is hurting the trade in country towns.
Mr. AmoryWe are all very anxious that not a day shall be lost, but the issues involved are quite complicated in detail.