§ Mr. Barnettasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek powers to shut down slaughterhouses where it is shown that the slaughter of cattle in close proximity to residential property causes considerable nuisance.
Mr. MackieNo. Local planning authorities have powers, subject to the concurrence of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, to require the discontinuance of any use of buildings or land, if they think it expedient in the interests of proper planning in their area.
§ Mr. Barnettasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to grant powers to local authorities to control hours of slaughtering, which takes place at all hours, including weekends, so helping with amenity aspects for adjacent residential property, and simplifying the task of meat inspectors.
Mr. MackieQuestions of amenity are for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government. So 171W far as meat inspection is concerned, my Department has had representations from some local authorities. We shall consider these with all other factors relevant to the progress of work under the Meat Inspection Regulations, 1963.