Horsemeat

Kris Hopkins Excerpts
Thursday 14th February 2013

(11 years, 3 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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We should all be outraged that people have been given meat that is not as described on the packet. The Government stand four-square with the consumer who goes into the shop and buys the product, and say, “This will not do.” It is unacceptable and those who have allowed it to happen, whether through insufficient checking or criminal activity, must be brought to book.

Kris Hopkins Portrait Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con)
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People across west Yorkshire will be outraged that horsemeat has entered the food chain labelled as beef. Will the Minister reassure consumers that the individuals who are carrying out this criminal activity will be prosecuted?

David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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Ministers cannot give assurances on what the police and investigatory authorities will do. It is certainly my wish that wherever there is evidence of criminal activity, it is put before the courts and the people responsible are prosecuted and face the full force of the law.