HC Deb 23 May 1957 vol 570 c1382
29. Mr. F. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which were the slaughterhouses referred to in the report of the committee of inquiry into the export of live cattle which failed to satisfy the standards required by the United States Army Veterinary Corps: and in what respects did they fail.

Mr. Godber

My right hon. Friend is communicating with Lord Balfour of Burleigh, who was the Chairman of the Committee, and will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. He understands, however, that the requirements of the United States military authorities for slaughterhouse equipment include steam hoses and cool air chambers, which are not normally available in this country.

Mr. Willey

Does not the hon. Gentleman admit that it is an awful reflection upon conditions in this country if we have to export cattle to be slaughtered for the United States Army? It is disgraceful reflection upon the state of our slaughterhouses. Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that we shall have legislation next Session to deal with this disgrace?

Mr. Godber

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that we are considering new legislation dealing with slaughterhouses, and I hope that it will come before the House next Session. In the meantime, we are producing draft regulations as a guide to people who are proposing to improve their slaughterhouses, and I hope these will be available very shortly.