HC Deb 25 July 1957 vol 574 cc592-3
57. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to lay before Parliament new regulations prescribing improved working conditions and welfare facilities for persons working in slaughterhouses.

Mr. Godber

My right hon. Friend has no authority at present to make such regulations but he proposes to seek power to do so in legislation giving effect to the Government's slaughterhouse policy to be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time permits.

Mr. Hayman

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary whether that means next Session?

Mr. Godber

It means exactly what I said.

Mr. Willey

Does the Parliamentary Secretary realise that everyone interested expects his legislation next Session, and that it has been delayed for far too long already?

Mr. Godber

I agree that there is every need for it. We shall seek to bring it in as soon as we can.

58. Mr. Hayman

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to issue regulations prohibiting slaughtering on Sundays.

Mr. Godber

My hon. Friend intends to discuss this difficult question with the interests concerned.

Mr. Hayman

Will the Parliamentary Secretary bear in mind that it is extremely difficult now for meat inspectors to deal with animals slaughtered on Sundays and that a good deal of meat comes on to the market uninspected?

Mr. Godber

I realise that that problem has existed for some time, because this is prohibited by the Sunday Observance Act, 1627.