§ 19. Mrs. Braddockasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to ensure that the Meat Staining and Sterilising Regulations, 1960, are being properly carried out, in order that meat condemned as unsuitable for human consumption can be clearly noticed.
Mr. VaneThe Regulations are enforced by local authorities and I am confident that they are being properly carried out.
§ Mrs. BraddockIs the Minister aware that meat is still going into the dog meat shops unrecognisable as having been condemned as unfit for human consumption? In view of that fact, it is not possible that meat of this sort is going into other factories for the purpose of being put into commodities for human consumption?
Mr. VaneI do not think that that can happen because the controls are very strict. As for the consumption of pet food, all meat which is not stained has been sterilised, and although it might not be to our liking and taste, it is most unlikely that it would do any harm if by chance someone got some.
§ Mr. de FreitasIn view of the number of Questions today and recently concerning the quality of food in the shops, will the Minister consider having another look in the Department at the Regulations which are designed to protect the consumer?
Mr. VaneThe hon. Member knows through correspondence that we are continually considering amendments and improvements to these regulations. But this Question deals not with human food but with pet food.