§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food, in view of the fact that in 1948 £890,000 was paid for animals which were condemned after slaughter as unfit for food, and in view of the Report by the Comptroller and Auditor-General that still further losses have been incurred through the wrong classification of animals, to state the amount of these further losses and what has been done to rectify these matters.
§ Mr. WebbDifficulties arise mainly on the classification of cows and heifers. The Livestock (Sales) Order was amended in July, 1949, to provide that in cases of doubt the class of female cattle can be determined after slaughter. I am satisfied that the new arrangements will substantially reduce the risk of losses from this cause.
§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Food how many sheep carcases were included in the shipload of mutton which was due at Smithfield in September, 1949; how many carcases were condemned as unfit for human consumption; how the cargo was disposed of; and what the loss was on the transaction.
§ Mr. WebbI think the hon. Member is referring to a shipment of fresh mutton from Holland in September, 1949, consisting of 2,067 carcases, of which 1,850 were condemned. The condemned meat was sold to technical fat melters and the remainder was used for manufacturing purposes. We are still negotiating with the Dutch authorities on this matter.