HC Deb 09 May 1956 vol 552 cc115-6W
Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what decision he has taken in respect of the policy for slaughterhouses.

Mr. Amory

The Government have decided to adopt with some modification the recommendations of the Interdepartmental Committee on Slaughterhouses as being, in the circumstances prevailing in England and Wales, the most practical means of securing the provision of ade- quate slaughtering facilities that are satisfactory from the standpoint of humane slaughter, hygiene and working conditions. Subject to slaughterhouses conforming to prescribed standards, to planning consent being given and to provisions for safeguarding public slaughterhouses, there will be a limited period during which meat traders will be free to build slaughterhouses of the size, design and in the places which best suit the requirements of their trade.

The details of this policy are set out in a White Paper which is now available at the Vote Office.