§ Sir R. Glynasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what was the cause of more licences to slaughter houses being issued than were issued in 1940 unless larger quantities of meat are being sold for human food; whether officials of his Department visit horse-slaughtering establishments to ascertain how a horse purchased for £34 can be slaughtered and sold at the controlled price of 53s. 8d. per cwt. on the basis of the average weight of a horse dressed after slaughter being 10 cwts., or at least £6 below the cost price; and, as this indicates that horse meat is being sold improperly, what steps are being taken to strictly supervise this trade?
§ Mr. MabaneThe increase since 1940 in licensed slaughterhouses for the slaughter of horses for human consumption may be ascribed to the greater demand for this foodstuff together with the cessation of the export to the Continent of live horses for slaughter. As regards the second part of the Question, visits are paid to horse-slaughterers' premises by officials of my Department when there is reason to suppose that infringements of the relevant Orders are taking place and if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of the transaction to which he refers, I will have it investigated. As regards the last part of the question, my hon. Friend will appreciate that it would not be desirable to indicate the steps which are being taken to supervise the trade, but he can rest assured that everything practicable is being done.