HC Deb 28 February 1991 vol 186 c578W
Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to clarify the rules and levels of derogations for local abattoirs in Wales.

Mr. David Hunt

The European Commission has issued proposals to harmonise public health standards in all meat plants from 1 January 1993. These contain proposed exemptions for retailers who cut and store meat only for direct sale to the final consumer. The proposals would also give the Commission powers to grant permanent derogations from the structural rules for small businesses. At present the Commission has not yet detailed its position on the question of derogations, and discussions are continuing.