§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the practices of meat inspection charges being passed directly to producers.
§ Mr. MacleanWe are aware of the concerns expressed by livestock producers about the passing back of an element of the meat inspection charges. The purpose of meat inspection and residue sampling at slaughterhouses is, of course, to protect the final consumer. We are also aware that the Director General of Fair Trading is considering this issue and this Department stands ready to provide any inspection he may require.