asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the disgust caused by recent revelations regarding the conditions prevailing in slaughterhouses; if he will give permission to local authorities to construct slaughterhouses where humane slaughter can be carried out efficiently; and also state his policy generally with regard to this matter.

asked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that the number of slaughterhouses has been reduced, he will now take steps to increase the number where humane slaughter can be carried out efficiently.

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware of the widespread complaints about the condition of slaughterhouses; and what he proposes to do to improve them.

asked the Minister of Food whether the Government have yet formulated a national policy for slaughterhouses; and whether such a policy will be announced as soon as possible, to enable local authorities and others concerned to make the necessary arrangements.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the widespread concern at the cruel conditions under which cattle are slaughtered in many parts of the country; and what action he proposes to take to remedy the evil.

asked the Minister of Food if he is aware of the public concern about the conditions in which animals are killed in slaughterhouses under the control of his Ministry; and what steps he is taking to ensure that the law is strictly enforced.

I am aware that letters have appeared in the Press containing allegations of cruelty in the slaughtering of animals for human food. The provisions of the Slaughter of Animals Act, 1933, are complied with by the slaughtering contractors employed by my Department and I am satisfied that there is no justification for the sweeping accusations which have been made. I am well aware of the need for new and better slaughterhouses. But I fear that I cannot expect to get a very high priority for them in the building programme. As to long term policy, I cannot at present add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton (Mr. T. Lewis) on 18th November, 1946.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take action to see that when cattle are taken to the markets and slaughterhouses, they are conveyed by transport and not allowed to go along the roads in present conditions, which involve a good deal of hardship and cruelty?

I will consider that.

Would the Minister pay a visit to some of the slaughterhouses?

I will consider that suggestion.

Will the Minister consider giving a licence to more of the original slaughterhouses, because it is due to congestion caused by the limited number of slaughterhouses that this sort of thing takes place?

I will consider that point.