§ Colonel Carverasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a certain admixture of horseflesh with beef is taking place in various articles of popular consumption; whether, if such admixture is small, it needs to be specified on the container or whether it can be regarded as a permitted amount of adulteration?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have been asked to reply. I understand that, to some extent, the practice referred to is being adopted. Apart from the general provisions of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, for the protection of purchasers, including those relating to labelling, the Act contains detailed provisions, of which I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a summary, relating to the sale of horseflesh and articles of food containing it, the administration of which is a matter for the local authorities. I have no authority to interpret or dispense with the statutory requirements.