§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make it his policy to ensure visits by Ministry officials to slaughterhouses are henceforth carried out unannounced;
(2) what percentage of visits to slaughterhouses in 1989 by Ministry officials were (a) arranged in advance with the management of the slaughterhouses and (b) carried out without prior warning; what was the total number of visits to slaughterhouses in 1989 by Ministry officials; and if he will give a breakdown by (i) county and (ii) type of slaughterhouses.
§ Mr. CurryLocal authorities (district councils) are responsible for the enforcement of hygiene and welfare legislation in all slaughterhouses. Visits by Ministry veterinary officers are for the purpose of giving advice to the local authorities on standards, and are made in the company of local authority personnel. It is usual for visits to be arranged with the business concerned as their purpose is best served if representatives of plant management are present. Unannounced visits may be made in response to reports of problems. In 1988–89 the manpower involved was 45 man years.
Information in the form requested by the hon. Member is not available.
§ Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met representatives of knackermen and slaughterhouses, to discuss working conditions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanI and my officials have regular meetings with representatives of knackermen and slaughterhouses to discuss a wide range of issues. However, working conditions in knackers yards and slaughterhouses are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.