§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that at a meeting of the Liverpool, Deeside, and District Meat Traders' Association allegations were made against wholesale houses and dealers concerning an all-round system of bribery; whether he will ascertain who were the 2117W persons making the charges, and have the matter inquired into and these persons examined on oath; and whether, in view of the diseased and unsatisfactory character of the meat sent from Birkenhead to London recently, he will inquire to what extent bribery has been used to retain the better class of animals within the local area while the rubbish and culls have been forwarded to London?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, if the hon. Member will furnish further particulars as to the date of the meeting and the address of the association referred to, I will cause inquiries to be made. The Food Controller has no information as to the malpractices described by the hon. Member in the last part of the question, but will take steps to investigate the matter.