§ 29. Mr. Awdryasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he intends to take to remove the imposition of meat inspection charges levied under Regulation 12 of the Meat Inspection Regulations, 1963, on the 553 owners of carcases in slaughterhouses, in view of the fact that no such charge is levied on other similar inspections of food on public health grounds.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Mackie)My right hon. Friend is reviewing the operation of the Regulations, but I regret that I cannot anticipate the outcome of this Review.
§ Mr. AwdryIs the Minister aware that his right hon. Friend, as long ago a s 1963 when he was a "shadow" of his present self, said that the costs of these inspections should be borne by the nation? As he has now been in office for five months, will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend to get on and bring forward his Regulations as quickly as possible?
§ Mr. MackieYes.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsDoes the Joint Parliamentary Secretary realise that there is difficulty in some rural areas over these meat inspection charges which have become a heavy burden on some rural local authorities? Will he give an undertaking to have a review to see whether the balance can be redressed?
§ Mr. MackieWe appreciate the fact that many big slaughterhouses can recoup the cost from the trade. There is difficulty in the smaller rural areas, and that is something of which my right hon. Friend will take careful note in his review.
§ Mr. HamlingIn view of the interest of the Opposition Front Bench in getting more money out of the taxpayer for farming interests, will my right hon. Friend arrange in future for Questions on this subject put to his Department to be transferred to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster?