§ 29. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the progress made under the Slaughterhouses Act. 1958.
§ Mr. GodberRegulations dealing with hygiene and the prevention of cruelty have been made under the Act and are in part operative. Days for their full application in each area will be appointed after reports on slaughtering facilities have been submitted by local 1497 authorities to my right hon. Friend as required by the Act. These reports are considered by him in the light of representations by interested parties. So far 128 reports have been received, of which 17 have been accepted and 111 are still either open to representations or under examination in my Ministry. I understand that consultations in other local authority areas are proceeding satisfactorily.
§ Mr. WilleyI take note of the progress made, but will the Joint Parliamentary Secretary do his best to expedite this process? I am sure he recognises that there is a scandal regarding our slaughterhouses, and the sooner we clear it up the better?
§ Mr. GodberI will not be tempted by the hon. Member into going over all the debates that we have had on this matter. I recognise that we must watch it, and I am keeping a close watch on it and on the reports that are coming forward.