HC Deb 18 February 1963 vol 672 c3
3. Mr. A. Brown

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much beef was imported from Yugoslavia during 1962.

Mr. Soames

The provisional figure is 39,000 tons, out of total beef imports for the year of 320,000 tons.

Mr. Brown

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is alleged that much of this meat is the product of a "forced feeding" technique in which excessive quantities of tetracyclin and other antibiotics are used to promote growth? Would my right hon. Friend investigate this matter in the interests of public health?

Mr. Soames

Since my hon. Friend has made this statement, I will of course look at it, but this is news to me.

Sir J. Barlow

Can my right hon. Friend say what proportion of this beef is bull beef?

Mr. Soames

Certainly not without a little more notice.