HC Deb 25 November 1957 vol 578 cc791-3
18. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the meat content of sausages.

Mr. Amory

As a result of my studies, I foresee practical difficulties in laying down compulsory standards for sausages, but I am not yet ready to take a decision.

Mr. Dodds

How much longer have we to wait? Is not the Minister aware that the best scientific sausage samplers are

Mr. Amory

As the Answer contains a number of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. All imported bacon is imported as green bacon.

Lieut.-Commander Maydon

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many farmers are circulating allegations that green bacon coming in from Poland is cured in our bacon factories and subsequently sold as British bacon?

Mr. Amory

No, I was not aware of that, and it is a point that I should like to have the chance to look into before replying further.

Following are the figures:

adamant in their view that there must be a minimum meat standard to guide the manufacturers? Bearing in mind that the public are spending about £90 million per year on sausages, will the Minister do all he can to see that the public get a square deal? And will he make it as difficult as possible for those sausage manufacturers who look upon the sausage as a profitable dustbin?

Mr. Amory

I realise, as I have said before, that very deep passions are aroused by this subject, but I am myself carrying out some practical research into palatibility. However, research is a long-term matter and I feel the need of extending my present researches for a little longer before finally reaching a conclusion.

Mr. Willey

But will the Minister try to divest himself of his inability to come to a decision? This, unfortunately, affects other points of agricultural policy, and it is time that he made up his mind about it. The Committee has reported and, out of respect to the Committee, he should come to an early decision.

Mr. Amory

I would rather not come to a decision than come to the wrong decision, and when hon. Gentlemen opposite were in charge we had so many examples of certainly impetuous and wrong decisions being reached.

Back to