§ 29. Mr. Royleasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that during the present autumn large numbers of fat cattle ready for slaughter have been held back at slaughtering points because of inadequate slaughtering facilities; that this has resulted in loss of weight and quality to both his Department and the consumer; 21W and if he is prepared to open more slaughterhouses in readiness for the autumn peak of 1947.
§ Mr. StracheyA large number of fat-stock has been marketed during the past few weeks and there has been some unavoidable delay in slaughtering a small proportion of the stock. The delay is due to a shortage of slaughtermen which is gradually being made up, rather than to inadequate slaughtering facilities. De-day in slaughtering may result in some loss of weight but not necessarily in the quality of the meat.