§ 62. Mr. Padleyasked the Minister of Food what expenditure has been incurred by his Department in respect of the maintenance of abattoirs in each year since the inception of the Meat Control Scheme in 1940; and whether he can make an estimate of the cost of structural improvements and extensions.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeInformation is not readily available for the period since 1940; but over the past five years and for the 300–350 private slaughterhouses held on lease or requisition, the average annual expenditure on maintenance, repairs, improvements and extensions has been £125,000. Without undue labour this sum cannot be sub-divided among the several heads.
§ 63. Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Food if he will restore the provision and management of slaughterhouses to local authorities.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI hope to be able to make an early announcement on this and other questions about the licensing and use of slaughterhouses in the period following decontrol.
§ 64. Mr. Burdenasked the Minister of Food if he will approve the provision of a public abattoir to serve the Medway towns.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAn Interdepartmental Committee is drawing up a siting plan for slaughterhouses throughout the country under the policy of moderate concentration. I would ask my hon. Friend to await this Report. The needs of the Medway towns will be fully taken into account in drawing up the plan.