§ 66. Mr. G. Craddockasked the Minister of Food if, in view of the loss of cattle sustained in the recent drought by the Queensland Corporation with the consequent reduction in supplies to Great Britain, he will take all steps possible to discover alternative sources and so prevent a further reduction in the weekly ration.
Dr. HillAlthough the Queensland Corporation's cattle have been little affected by the drought, I fear that exports of meat from Australia generally will be seriously reduced by it. We shall take all possible steps to make good from other sources any fall in imports we suffer.
Mr. Philips Priceasked the Minister of Food how far, having regard to the recommendations of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Meat Inspection, he has arranged for each of the experimental and demonstration slaughterhouses to be under the supervision of a veterinary officer, in order to ensure the efficient ante mortem inspection of all animals received for slaughter, the highest standard of meat inspection and also the most expert examination of the practical problems of providing adequate meat inspection services.
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§ Major Lloyd GeorgeResponsibility for the inspection of meat rests with local authorities. My Department will be prepared to discuss arrangements at the experimental slaughterhouses with the local authorities concerned, and the recommendations of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Meat Inspection will be borne in mind.