HC Deb 25 November 1964 vol 702 c1254
11. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to control injections given to animals before slaughter for the purpose of ensuring that the consumer receives tender meat.

Mr. Hoy

I am not aware of any need for me to take the steps suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. Irvine

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that substances are injected into animals before slaughter which result in the livers and kidneys of those animals disintegrating when they are subsequently cooked? If that is the effect on 10 cwt. beasts, may not there be some residues which have unfortunate effects on the humans who subsequently eat them? In those circumstances, does not the hon. Gentleman think that this is a matter which his Department ought to look at carefully?

Mr. Hoy

We are looking at it, and we have a recommendation which we are considering. We are aware of this injection which is given to tenderise meat. It is also true that the sections to which the hon. Gentleman referred sometimes disintegrate in the cooking and not in the eating.

Mr. Rankin

Is not this question related to the appointment of the technical committee by my right hon. Friend's predecessor on 20th June last to deal with this whole matter of intensive farming?

Mr. Hoy

No, Sir. I know the Committee to which my hon. Friend refers, the Brambell Committee, but this would be outside its terms of reference.