Canned Meat Imports
50.
asked the Minister of Food why canned beef is not imported from Eire; and whether he contemplates opening negotiations with regard to price in the near future.
Canned meats, including canned beef, are, in fact, being imported by private traders from the Irish Republic.
Can the Minister say whether he has negotiated on a Government basis with Eire for the import of canned beef?
Not on a Government basis.
51.
asked the Minister of Food to what extent canned horse is now being imported from Eire.
None, Sir.
Would it not be an advantage, at any rate to the horses, if they were killed and canned before export for human consumption in this country?
Associated Tripe Dressers, Ltd
52.
asked the Minister of Food who are the present directors of Associated Tripe Dressers, Ltd.; for how long this firm has been the Government agency for the distribution of tripe; and what profit or loss has been incurred to date.
The present directors are Messrs. W. H. Hobbs (Chairman), W. S. Gibson, B. Emms, J. Almond, A. Hill, H. Longworth, R. Sanderson, H. E. Hearne and A. J. Ford. The company was set up in 1940. It is a non-profit earning company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital.
In the interests of the nation as a whole, and of His Majesty's Government in particular, can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is the closest possible co-operation and liaison at all levels between representatives of these tripe merchants and the publications and publicity department of Transport House? Further, can we look forward to greatly increased production of this commodity just before the next General Election?
This firm of tripe merchants was founded by a gentleman for whom I am sure the hon. and gallant Gentleman has great respect—my predecessor, who was Minister of Food at that time. I do not feel called upon to interfere with his wise choice in this matter.
Meat Ration
53.
asked the Minister of Food why he was able to give only one week's notice that the meat ration for the week beginning 15th April would be solely fresh meat.
We cannot know for certain how much home-killed meat we shall have until nine days before the week in which it will be issued; and nine days' notice was given. I always try to give the maximum notice of any ration changes resulting from the inevitable fluctuations in our supplies.
Sugar Ration
54.
asked the Minister of Food why he cannot increase the sugar ration instead of making bonus issues from time to time.
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Worcester (Mr. G. Ward) on Monday, 19th March.
Cattle Allocations, Harrogate
55.
asked the Minister of Food what was the number of clean cattle and the number of old cows and bulls allocated to Harrogate from neighbour ing collecting centres during the weeks ended 7th April and 14th April, respectively.
During the week ended 7th April 38 young cattle and 18 cows and bulls were sent to Harrogate from neighbouring collecting centres. For the week ended 14th April the figures were 41 and four respectively. During the same two weeks three beasts were allocated for manufacturing purposes.
56.
asked the Minister of Food to which towns clean cattle, graded at local collecting centres around Harrogate, were allocated during the weeks ending 7th April and 14th April, respectively.
During the week ended 7th April all the clean cattle purchased by my Department at Pannal were sent to Harrogate. Fifteen out of 25 purchased in Knaresborough were sent to Leeds and 10 to Harrogate. In the following week there was no collection at Pannal and all the clean cattle from Knaresborough went to Harrogate.
Imported Feedingstuffs
57.
asked the Minister of Food what percentage of imported feedingstuffs are obtained from countries of Eastern Europe.
Last year's figure was 29 per cent.
In view of the conditions justifying the great re-armament programme, does not the Minister consider it is more desirable to endeavour to get this feeding material from the Empire?
We try to get these important feedingstuffs from wherever we can get them. If we can get them from the Empire, then indeed we shall, but we need to get them from Eastern Europe and shall continue to do so.
But cannot the right hon. Gentleman get more from the Empire?
Enforcement Inspectors
58.
asked the Minister of Food if he will explain the instructions that are given to his enforcement officers when they call upon butchers to see that the regulations are respected.
In the normal course of their duties enforcement inspectors visit butchers' establishments to make sure that the orders governing the distribution, supply and price of meat are being observed. They have a detailed course of training and notes for guidance are issued from time to time which include instructions to avoid any improper use of their powers. In the course of an inquiry the services of trade experts are available to give any technical advice needed.
Is the Minister aware that on 14th April one of his employees gave an interview in which it was stated:
Does he not consider such a procedure totally repugnant to English ideas of justice?"It was easy for me. I could often get round the butcher for a little over the top—some women can, you know"?
I should like to have particulars of that allegation and that statement.
Surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware of what was published in the newspapers and of a picture of the blonde—who turned out to be a brunette—employed by his Department?
I am aware of many things published in the newspapers—and of the inaccuracy to which the hon. Gentleman has called attention. If there is any basis in this allegation I would like to look into it.
If I hand the Minister the paper which I have in my hand, will he deny that the statement is true?