§ Mr. John Rodgersasked the Minister of Food whether he will make a further statement on standards of meat content of sausages.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe decontrol last year of meat products has enabled the public to enjoy a wider choice of sausages at a variety of prices. Judging by the absence of complaint from the public they are satisfied with the change. For this reason the reintroduction of 137W compulsory standards of meat content would not be justified at present, but I will keep the position under review.
Some of the trade organisations whom I have consulted share my view, but others favour the introduction of a meat content standard, partly because of the risk of prosecution for selling sausages containing less meat than was previously prescribed under the Meat Products Order for purposes of price control.
I appreciate their concern, but I am advised that they can safeguard themselves in this respect if they declare the meat content of their sausages by means of a label, ticket or other adequate notice. This practice would also help purchasers to choose the type of sausage they prefer. and I have passed this advice on to the trade.