HC Deb 10 July 1958 vol 591 cc571-2
36. Mr. Kimball

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the future policy for the maintenance of deadweight certification centres.

Mr. John Hare

I am anxious to provide adequate facilities for deadweight certification of fatstock for guarantee payments, but I must have regard to the difficulties and cost of providing staff for certification and for effective supervision to reduce the risks of fraud. New deadweight certification centres are continually being approved. On the other hand, where little use is made of these centres, it is necessary to withdraw certification facilities from them.

Representatives of both producers and butchers have been consulted on the policy which is followed, and I can assure my hon. Friend that full weight is given to the considerations brought forward by interested parties before any decision is taken to withdraw facilities at any particular slaughterhouse.

37. Mr. Kimball

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of representations he has received from the Market Rasen Branch of the National Farmers Union about the Deadweight Certification Centre, Caistor, Lincolnshire, he will give an assurance that this facility will be maintained in the area.

Mr. John Hare

I regret that I cannot give an assurance that approval will continue to be given to the Caistor Deadweight Centre. Only a very small number of pigs are certified at this centre and there are adequate alternative facilities for obtaining certification in the district.

Mr. Kimball

While I recognise the special difficulties there are in the administration of the centres, I hope my right hon. Friend will look again at the very special need for the certification centre up in the Lincolnshire Wolds. I hope it will be possible for him to let us keep it.

Mr. Hare

I know that my hon. Friend is extremely zealous in looking after the interests of his constituents. I assure him that I have looked at this matter very carefully and that I do not think I shall be able to modify my reply.