asked the Minister of Food whether butchers, when inferior quality meat is allocated to them, are free to change it or to refuse to take it.

All meat issued for the ration is graded as suitable for that purpose before issue. A butcher who disagrees with the grading may appeal to the district meat agent who is himself a practical butcher. If the retailer's appeal is upheld a replacement is arranged; if the appeal is not upheld and the butcher refuses to accept the meat then no replacement is given.