§ 22. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has considered the report of the Inspector of Weights and Measures, Nottingham, a copy of which has been sent to him, regarding the low content of meat contained in certain meat pies and the pricing of these, which bears no relation to the meat content; and if he will take steps to regulate meat content and quality in relation to price.
Mr. AmoryThe report in question suggests that minimum standards for meat content should be prescribed for both sausages and meat pies. I have already asked the Food Standards Committee for a report on sausages, and when this has been completed I will consider an inquiry into meat pies; but I am not prepared to introduce price control.
§ Mrs. MannDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that at the same time he will have an inquiry into the content of meat pies as well as the content of sausages?
Mr. AmoryI said that I have asked the Food Standards Committee to make an inquiry as soon as possible into the content of sausages. As soon as I have the results of that inquiry, I will consider whether to ask the Committee to do the same thing in regard to meat pies, but I am anxious to get the report about sausages as soon as possible.
§ Dr. SummerskillIn regard to the Minister's last reply, may I ask him if he has read the latest Report of the Ministry of Health in regard to food poisoning, because I think that both he and the Minister of Health should take that Report very seriously? The matter does warrant some investigation.
Mr. AmoryI have not read the Report in full, but my attention has been called to the main points in it. My right hon. Friend and I will be considering it. As the right hon. Lady has said, this is a most important matter.