§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of slaughterhouses in the United Kingdom conform to EEC standards for meat export; what proportion conform to United States Department of Agriculture standards for meat export; and what steps are being taken to raise United Kingdom slaughterhouse standards to the appropriate levels.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonApproximately 10 per cent, of red meat slaughterhouses are currently approved for export to other EC member states. At present, these account for nearly 40 per cent, of the national throughput. All licensed poultry slaughterhouses have to comply with the relevant EC directive.
As yet, no red meat slaughterhouses have formally applied for USDA approval although a number of companies have expressed an interest. One poultrymeat establishment has applied for, and been granted, approval to export to US.
Officials of my Department are ready to advise all slaughterers on the conditions necessary for intra-Community trade or for export to the USA or any other country.