asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now take steps to carry out the recommendations of the Food Standards Committee that there should be standards of meat content for pork and beef sausages.

Mr. Amory:

I am at present considering observations on the Committee's recommendations from the interests affected. Some of these comments have only reached me recently and further consultation may be necessary before my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Health and I, who are jointly responsible, can announce our decision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, because of the danger of mistaking the shadow for the substance in this matter, the better types of butcher, including the co-operative societies, are very much in favour of the establishment of such a standard?

Mr. Amory:

I am very anxious to see that we do everything we can to ensure the welfare of the sausage and the welfare of those who, like myself, thrive on its consumption. I assure the hon. Gentleman that I take this matter seriously.