§ 28. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken to implement the recommendations of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Slaughterhouses in England and Wales.
§ Mr. WilleyWill the right hon. Gentleman bestir himself on this question? Far more slaughterhouses were opened than ever we expected and his predecessors predicted, and the sooner something is done the better, as conditions in many of the slaughterhouses are most disturbing.
Mr. AmoryI entirely agree that it is a job which has to be done, but I received the Report only at the end of July. I at once entered into consultations with all the local authorities and other interests concerned. The advice that I have had—perhaps not surprisingly—is far from unanimous, and I must enter into further consultations before taking any steps in this very important matter.
§ Mr. BaldwinIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is no need to restrict the erection of slaughterhouses so long as they comply with the sanitary requirements of the district concerned, and that if someone builds a slaughterhouse where it is not wanted that is his loss and not a loss to the State?
§ Mr. RoyleIn view of the fact that there is completely inadequate inspection, is it not absolutely necessary to get on with the building of some decent slaughterhouses and to close these hole-and-corner places?
Mr. AmoryI do not dissent from what the hon. Member has said. I am very anxious to improve the inspection.