§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why it has been decided to close down 1509W local abattoirs and centralise the slaughter of meat in a few centres many of which are unsuitably placed; if he is aware that this change will cause inconvenience to thousands of towns, waste of time and of petrol and add greatly to the expenses of butchers, and thus raise prices of beef to consumers; and whether he will delay execution of this scheme until the necessity for it has been established and the details of the plans approved by those likely to be affected by it?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe details of the Meat Control Scheme which it will be necessary to put into operation as part of the rationing arrangements have not yet been finally settled. I cannot, however, accept the implications in the second part of my hon. Friend's question. I have already stated that control schemes will not be put into operation until consultation has taken place with the interests concerned. This applies to the Meat Control Scheme, but I cannot undertake to delay its operation until there is universal agreement.