§ Mr. Macleanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is his policy towards a centralised veterinary inspection system of meat for export; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he is satisfied with the present system of certification of meat for export.
§ Mrs. FennerAll meat for export to member states of the European Community and to other countries which require it is subject to veterinary inspection and certification. The official veterinary surgeons who certify meat for export are designated by central Government but employed by local authorities. We have no plans at present to change the system. However, a study of the arrangements will fall within the terms of reference of the recently appointed meat inspection review committee.
§ Mr. Macleanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what export orders of meat have been lost because foreign countries do not accept the United Kingdom's certification system, in the most recent conveniently available period.
§ Mrs. FennerAt present a small number of non EEC countries do not accept meat from Great Britain because they believe we do not meet their detailed requirements. An estimate of the loss in potential trade cannot readily be made since the countries concerned are not traditional export markets for Britain. However, I am aware that exporters would like to develop business in these markets, and discussions are continuing with the countries concerned.