§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the inconvenience caused to farmers by the ending of Sunday certification by officials of his Department; and whether he will reconsider his decision to discontinue this service.
§ Mr. HoySunday certification of fat-stock carcases has been largely withdrawn over several years because generally the demand for it did not justify the cost; but this service is still provided when it is clear that it is essential for the purposes of trade, and where demand for it is substantial and regular. When Sunday certification has been curtailed, every effort has been made to co-operate with slaughterhouse operators in any rearrangement of their work that may be necessary. I am not aware that any such curtailment has inconvenienced farmers.