§ 78. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to a speech made at Aberdeen recently by a superintending veterinary officer of the Ministry of Agriculture in his official capacity recommending that the inspection of meat should only be done by members of the veterinary profession, in view of the large proportion of disease among animals; whether this proposal was made with his approval; and whether he will consult with the Minister of Food with a view to its adoption.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe speech to which the hon. Member refers was made by a superintending veterinary officer of my Department in his capacity as President of the British Veterinary Association and not in his official capacity and my 65W approval was not sought. I have consulted my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food and understand that he is satisfied that the present arrangements for meat inspection are adequate to ensure that diseased meat is not sold for human consumption.