§ 73 and 74. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Food (1) in view of the fact that the Mexican canned beef in gravy which has been purchased from the United States of America, has come from a foot-and-mouth disease infected area, what steps he has taken to ensure that it will not itself carry infection:
(2) in view of the fact that the distribution of Mexican canned beef and gravy has been banned in the United States of America on account of not conforming with the foot-and-mouth disease regulations of that country, if he is satisfied that it is fit for human food.
§ Mr. WebbThe Mexican canned beef and gravy recently purchased from the United States came from States in North Mexico which are divided by a wide belt of country from districts where foot and mouth disease has been prevalent. It was prepared from animals which, upon inspection both before and after slaughter,284W in accordance with the code of the United States Department of Agriculture, were found to be healthy, free from disease, and fit for human food. Proper standards of hygiene were maintained throughout the processing of the meat. Very large quantities are being supplied to the United States Army. I am perfectly satisfied that this product, which we have enjoyed in this country before, is of good quality and introduces no risk of foot-and-mouth disease infection. I am glad to have this opportunity of denying misleading and mischievous suggestions to the contrary which have appeared in some newspapers.