HC Deb 27 October 1981 vol 10 cc317-8W
Mr. Anderson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he has made to the proposals of the Institution of Environmental Health Officers' meat legislation review group for changes in the Meat (Sterilisation) Regulations which were sent to his Department in February 1981.

Mrs. Fenner:

A reply was sent on 30 April 1981 commenting in detail on the proposals and seeking further comments and clarification on a number of points. The institution sent a substantive reply to this letter on 16 September. My officials have also carefully examined the institution's report "Illegal Trade in Unfit Meat for Human Consumption" which was forwarded to the Department in June.

Mr. Anderson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the existing means of protecting the public against the supply of unfit meat.

Mrs. Fenner:

We consider that improved protection can be achieved by a combination of vigilance by companies in the meat business, strict enforcement of the law, and some strengthening of the present law. Ideas on how the law might be amended will be put shortly to the main organisations concerned.