HC Deb 29 November 1956 vol 561 c558
18. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in the efforts by his Department to ensure that sausages contain a reasonable amount of meat.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Derick Heathcoat Amory)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cleveland (Mr. Palmer) on 22nd November.

Mr. Dodds

Can the right hon. Gentleman state why it has taken so long to get a decision in this matter? Is he not aware that unscrupulous sausage manufacturers can purchase soya bean flour with chemical meat flavouring, and is it not obvious that the housewife really does need some protection?

Mr. Amory

I agreed previously that this is quite an important question. I do not think that there has been any avoidable delay. The Committee reported in June, and since then I have had to hold consultations with those concerned. They are at an end now, and I hope that a decision will be reached within two months.

Air Commodore Harvey

Does my right hon. Friend recollect that in the days of the Labour Government sausages contained bread and faked cream?

Mr. Amory

I recall the circumstances with pain.