HC Deb 23 October 1953 vol 518 cc309-10W
Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Food if he will give priority to his plans for resisting the public slaughterhouse at Adamsdown, Cardiff, in view of the nuisance caused to nearby residents.

Major Lloyd George

The siting of slaughterhouses throughout the country is now being considered by an Interdepartmental Committee. It would be unwise to determine any particular order of priority until I have received their report and recommendations on the problem as a whole. The representations made by the local authority in regard to the resiting of the public slaughterhouse at Adamsdown will, of course, be taken fully into account before a decision is reached.

Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the danger to public health caused by swarms of flies attracted by offal lying in the open at the public slaughterhouse at Adamsdown, Cardiff, within 50 yards of private houses; and if he will arrange to inspect the insanitary conditions prevailing there.

Major Lloyd George

Special instructions were issued early this summer to all our slaughterhouses regarding the dangers of fly infestation and the cooperation of the local authorities was invited. I am informed that for a short period in August there was delay in the collection of certain offals from the Cardiff slaughterhouse. This was put right. My local officers, in association with the local authority officials, are giving particular attention to the question of fly infestation at this slaughterhouse.

Mr. Callaghan

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the unsatisfactory conditions in which workers at the public slaughterhouse at Adamsdown, Cardiff, have to change their clothes, wash and clean and eat their meals; and if he will take steps to see that the resulting danger to public health is removed by bringing working conditions up to a better standard.

Major Lloyd George

I am not aware that there is any danger to public health arising from the conditions of the workers' accommodation at this slaughterhouse. I understand that the local authority have under consideration possible improvements to the messing facilities.