§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates have been made as to the number of abattoirs in the United Kingdom which will be unable to meet the standards set out in the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992.
§ Mr. SoamesNine abattoirs have been refused licences under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection)378W Regulations 1992 because of serious hygiene deficiencies. Approximately 30 abattoirs have yet to agree a work plan to upgrade their premises to comply with the Regulations and have been given a time-limited licence to enable outstanding problems to be resolved. No further licences will be issued to these premises unless a work plan to remedy structure-related hygiene problems is agreed.
Premises which are refused a licence may appeal to the meat hygiene appeals tribunal.