Chicken fit only for pet food was sold back into the human food chain from the factory at Denby, leading to a high-profile court case.

The Labour MP for Amber Valley Judy Mallaber told the House of Commons she wanted to see the prime minister tighten up the system of regulation.

She said: "Will he take urgent action on failings identified by Amber Valley officers and Derbyshire police in the meat industry inspection system and the legislative framework?

"And will he congratulate them on securing this case over several years?"

In response, Tony Blair told MPs that close control of the food industry was essential and he expected the relevant authorities to do all they could to stamp the trade out.