XN000022-1972-09-25 — Page 5

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Monday, September 25, 1972

It was explained to the meat merchants that as the agreement made

with the Yuen Long private slaughterhouse provides for pig slaughtering

at 4.30 a.m.,two and a half hours earlier than at the Cheung Sha Wan

Abattoir, pork can in effect be available in Tsuen Wan earlier than what

can be achieved at the present moment.

Besides, the slaughtering charge at Yuen Long is fixed at $4.10

per head, about $2 cheaper than at Cheung Sha Wan.

The transfer of pigs to Yuen Long for slaughter might lead to

an increase in cost in the region of $5 per head due to the increase

in transport costs.

It was agreed that even if this is to be shifted wholly onto'

the consumer, assuming the average weight of a pig to be 100 catties, the

increase in cost, about five cents per catty, is therefore marginal and unlikely

to be disturbing.

The meat merchants were also informed that the government ia

considering the possibility of setting up a slaughterhouse in Tsuen Wan

and that the construction was expected to be completed in two years.

When it is completed, the meat merchants in Teuen Wan may transfer

their pigs for slaughtering locally. If the abattoir is not constructed

and completed in two years they may have their pigs slaughtered in Cheung

Sha Wan instead of Yuen Long.

was agreed that by that time Tsuen Wan's quota of pigs for

early morning slaughter should be increased to 400 instead of 320 at present.

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