asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the fact that of 170 quarters of beef now in cold storage at Northampton, part has already been condemned by the local authorities as unfit for human consumption, and the residue as unsound and unsaleable; and that the people of Northampton are now without meat; and whether he will order the immediate release of an immediate supply of sound meat to meet their immediate requirements?

I have been asked to reply by my right hon. Friend, who is attending a Food Conference of the Inter-Allied nations. I have been in communication with the Department since the receipt of my hon. Friend's question, and have been informed that they have not had their attention drawn to this matter apart from the statement which they have seen in the Press. Inquiries are now being made. In regard to the third part of the question, everything possible will be done.