§ 20. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Minister of Food what qualifications officials of his Department who visit slaughterhouses and knackeries have to enable them to judge by the condition of the carcases whether the horses have been bled with the object of selling the horsemeat as veal.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe officials who visit slaughterhouses are either veterinary surgeons or qualified meat inspectors. Those of my officers who visit knackeries are concerned solely with the enforcement of staining requirements and the question of professional qualifications does not arise.
§ 21. Mr. N. Macphersonasked the Minister of Food how many unheralded visits have been paid by officers of his Department to slaughterhouses and knackeries in the last six months; and whether they invariably examine the humane killers to ensure that they are in current use and in good condition.
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§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNone. The responsibility for ensuring the observance of the Slaughter of Animals Act rests with local authorities.
So far as slaughterhouses used by my Department are concerned I am satisfied that my officers are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the statutory provisions are observed.