asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the number of abattoirs in some districts is considered by the local authorities to be excessive; and whether, with a view to more effective inspection, he will introduce legislation empowering local authorities to close all redundant registered slaughter-houses?

My right hon. Friend is aware that the number of private slaughter-houses in some districts is considered by the local authorities to be unnecessarily large, but he can give no undertaking to introduce legislation of the character suggested by the hon. Member?

If that be the case, surely the Department of the right hon. Gentleman ought to be prepared to advance a remedy?

No, Sir. I think there were a number of local authorities who thought the number was unnecessary, but it must be realised that there are a great many important questions of policy involved.

But is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that these local authorities are quite powerless without the assistance of the Department?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it might be a great inconvenience to persons using these places if there was not a fairly reasonable number of them, and that they and not the local authorities are the best judges as to whether they are convenient or not. If they are redundant, they will not be used.