§ 26. Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the Manchester City Council in support of early legislation to apply the same standards of construction and hygienic operation for slaughterhouses providing meat for the home market as are required for slaughterhouses in this country which 21 have been approved for the export of meat to the European Economic Community; what reply he is sending; and if he will make a statement.
§ 27. Mr. Charles R. Morrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking on the Manchester City Council's representations to him in support of higher standards of construction and hygienic operation for slaughterhouses providing meat for the home market; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MillsI have not seen any recent representations from the Manchester City Council about higher standards for slaughterhouses. However, we are currently reviewing the Slaughterhouses (Hygiene) Regulations, 1958, to see whether they can be further improved.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisWith all respect, why should British housewives have to make do with lower standards than those available to consumers abroad? Will the Minister now stop talking and let us have some action in the interests of consumer protection and effective hygiene alike?
§ Mr. MillsI do not accept what the hon. Member is saying. I believe that with the regulations which are in force there is full protection for British housewives, and in general standards are very good.
§ Mr. Charles R. MorrisWill the Minister bear in mind that the standards in the EEC are infinitely inferior to those of the United States for the export of meat to the United States? Why should the British housewife have to accept less than the EEC's standards and the standards of the United States?