§ 49. Mr. E. Johnsonasked the Minister of Food how many horses were slaughtered in licensed and inspected slaughterhouses in 1951 and to the last convenient date in 1952; what steps he is taking to prevent the sale of horse meat from unlicensed slaughterhouses, and to prevent horse meat being sold as veal or beef in hotels and restaurants; and if he will instruct his inspectors to take samples of meat sold in hotels and restaurants purporting to be veal or beef.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThere are no comprehensive statistics of the number of horses slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses, but such figures as are available suggest that the post-war rise has passed its peak. The sale of horse flesh for human consumption is subject to the relevant provisions of the Food and Drugs Act, which I consider are adequate. My enforcement officers have no power to take samples of meat for the purposes of the Food and Drugs Act since the responsibility for enforcing these provisions rests with local authorities. Any information that may lead to the detection of infringements should be sent to the local authority.