§ 33. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be able to make a statement on the negotiations which are proceeding to secure the abolition of Sunday slaughtering.
§ Mr. GodberDiscussions on this and other possible remedies for securing full meat inspection are proceeding with the organisations concerned, but I cannot say when my right hon. Friend will be able to make a statement.
§ Mr. HaymanWill the Parliamentary Secretary do what he can to hasten these consultations and bring them to a conclusion? Will he bear in mind that in my constituency, where an average of 2,750 animals are slaughtered each week, about 400 of which are not inspected, the council and the slaughterers hope that he will be able to arrange for the abolition of Sunday slaughtering which they think will go some way towards ensuring 100 per cent. inspection?
§ Mr. GodberI am not satisfied that it is essential to ban Sunday slaughtering yet. That is one of the points we are looking into. I am aware of the special problems in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. I hope that with a certain measure of co-operation between all concerned we shall be able to clear up these points.
§ Mr. WilleyCan the hon. Gentleman say why he should not forthwith ban Sunday slaughtering?
§ Mr. GodberI would say that there is no justification for doing this unless we are satisfied that we cannot get 100 per cent. meat inspection without it.
§ Sir F. MedlicottIs my hon. Friend aware that a very high proportion of the 874 unsatisfactory meat does get through on Sundays when the inspection is less effective?
§ Mr. GodberThat is exactly the sort of thing about which we have been having consultations. I can assure my hon. Friend that I am as anxious as he is to get complete meat inspection, but we must be satisfied that the facts are as he states before we take such a step.