§ 6. Mr. WhittingdaleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the regulations governing the production of New York dressed poultry. [2896]
§ Mr. RookerWe have received a number of representations about the end of the three-year phase-out of the derogation from the regulations. The prohibition on the sale of uneviscerated poultry from licensed premises will stand. I have checked on the name—in Birmingham we call it, "Not yet dressed poultry."
§ Mr. WhittingdaleIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the ban on the sale of New York dressed poultry from 445 licensed plants is anomalous, will diminish consumer choice and represents another blow to independent butchers struggling to compete with superstores? Will he reconsider his response and allow an extension of the previous derogation for a further three years?
§ Mr. RookerThere is absolutely no chance of a further derogation. If the hon. Gentleman reads column 219 of yesterday's Hansard, he will see that I am looking at the regulations on unlicensed premises. It is a health hazard and we need to check it out.