§ 112. Mr. J. McKayasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that during the Christmas week 17 chilled lambs weighing 598 lbs. delivered to the butchering department of Wallsend Co-operative Society were condemned by the sanitary inspector; that other butchers in Wallsend in the same week received large quantities of lamb in a poisonous condition; that on 11th January Wallsend Co-operative Society received 920 lbs. of beef that was unfit for human consumption; what is the point of transit at which meat for Walls-end is finally examined, and how many 239W days before delivery to retailers; and what new steps have been taken to prevent this happening in future.
§ Mr. StracheyA small quantity of imported meat was condemned at Wallsend during the period mentioned. All meat is issued from the local meat depot to the retailers under the supervision of the depot manager whose duty it is to prevent as far as possible the issue of any unsound meat. No delay occurs in delivery. I am satisfied that this is the best practicable arrangement, and that every reasonable care is taken.