All 1 Debates between David Heath and Sarah Newton

Thu 17th Jan 2013

Horsemeat (Supermarket Products)

Debate between David Heath and Sarah Newton
Thursday 17th January 2013

(11 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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As I was saying, if prosecutions are required, they will of course take place, either in this country or in the Republic of Ireland as appropriate. However, it is important to gather evidence before mounting a prosecution.

Sarah Newton Portrait Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con)
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Although I welcome the fact that Tesco has today widely advertised an apology, does the Minister share my disgust on hearing the news yesterday that such a profitable and large British organisation could have let down consumers so very badly? Should not Tesco go way beyond that advert to rebuild trust with its customers and prove to us what it will do about this situation?

David Heath Portrait Mr Heath
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The hon. Lady makes an extremely good point. I am impressed at the speed with which Tesco has responded to what is clearly both a very embarrassing situation and a potentially damaging one. It is essential that retailers and processors rebuild trust in the products available in this country, and that the Government do whatever we can to support that. Only on that basis can we have a successful trade.