HC Deb 13 February 1967 vol 741 cc80-1
7. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the comprehensiveness of the investigations made by his inspectors into poultry processing plants in the United Kingdom; whether he is satisfied with the protection available to public health from sub-standard broiler chickens; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Snow

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the existing powers of local authorities under the Food and Drugs Act, 1955 and the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations, 1960, are sufficiently comprehensive to enable them to control the processing of poultry and that the system of inspection as advised by my Department in 1961 provides adequate protection to public health in respect of all grades of poultry.

Sir Knox Cunningham

But is the hon. Gentleman not aware that certain of these broiler chickens are not accepted as edible by United States forces in this country, and what investigation has he made into the reason for this?

Mr. Snow

I think that the hon. and learned Gentleman may be confusing the reasons for rejection by the United States forces. I am advised that it may not be a question of any possible infection or disease, but that they are not of the size or quality required by them.