HC Deb 07 July 1999 vol 334 c1015
4. Mr. Desmond Swayne (New Forest, West)

What representations he has received regarding the number of European Union export approved abattoirs in Wales. [88525]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Jon Owen Jones)

None.

Mr. Swayne

Will the Minister undertake to launch an investigation into the administrative and regulatory burdens that are faced by abattoirs in Wales as compared with the rest of the European Union? Will he undertake to publish the findings of those studies? Can he assure the House that the studies will be carried out by impartial and proper sources, not vegetarians?

Mr. Jones

This is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, or, in Wales, for the National Assembly.

Madam Speaker

Order. In that case, it is a matter for the Welsh Assembly. It cannot be the responsibility of both this House and the Assembly.

Mr. Ted Rowlands (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker

I cannot take points of order in the middle of Question Time. Once we break our rules, there will be no end to it.

Forward to