§ Mr. McAvoyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received any representations about the sale of condemned meat in butchers' shops and supermarkets; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanI am aware that there is concern about allegations of illegal trade in unfit meat. I deplore those who seek to pass off such material for human consumption. However, there is already legislation in this area under which action may be taken. The Food Act makes it an offence to sell, hold for sale or prepare for sale for human consumption any material which is unfit for that purpose; the Slaughterhouses Act 1974 requires slaughterhouses and knackers' yards to be licensed by local authorities and there are other detailed controls over the movement and treatment of unfit meat and offal. Nevertheless, we have instituted a full review of the existing controls to see if any improvements are desirable, with particular attention to collection of casualty stock from farms.
Enforcement of the legislation is, of course, a matter for local authorities. However MAFF veterinary officers can and do assist and work closely with local authorities in such cases.