§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to protect the coastline from the rising sea levels forecast in his document on climate change. [26488]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Ministry's current guidance to operating authorities recommends them to make allowances of between 4mm and 6mm a year relative sea level rise when assessing the need for coastal defence measures. This takes account of both predicted vertical 681W land movements and sea level rise. The latter is compatible with predictions in the "Review of the Potential Effects of Climate Change in the United Kingdom" published by the then Department of the Environment in 1996.
Subsequent international predictions have indicated a reduced rate of rise, but the allowances have not been adjusted because of the margins of uncertainty. The guidance will be kept under review as further information and research results become available.
Hourly charges for 1997–98 £ Normal Time Senior meat inspector Authorised meat inspector Senior poultry meat inspector Poultry meat inspector Employed OVS Direct 11.29 11.29 9.65 9.65 28.00 Overhead 4.49 4.49 4.49 4.49 6.04 Total 15.78 15.78 14.14 14.14 34.04
Hourly charges for 1997–98 £ Overtime Senior meat inspector Authorised meat inspector Senior poultry meat inspector Poultry meat inspector Employed OVS Time and a half Direct 16.93 16.93 14.47 14.47 28.00 Overhead 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.04 Total 16.93 16.93 14.47 14.47 34.04 Double Time Direct 22.58 22.58 19.29 19.29 28.00 Overhead 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 6.04 Total 22.58 22.58 19.29 19.29 34.04 Holiday working Direct 33.87 33.87 28.94 28.94 28.00 Overhead 8.99 8.99 8.99 8.99 6.04 Total 42.86 42.86 37.93 37.93 34.04 Notes:
Employed OVS call out charge—In addition to the hourly OVS charge there is a call-out charge of £23.81. This is applied only for emergencies, or for holiday and bank holiday working.
Contract OVS—Hourly rates for OVSs employed on contract are determined on a plant by plant basis as a result of open competitive tenders.
The MHS are required to consult with industry whenever it is proposed to change the rates (normally annually). Consultation has begun for the rates to apply for 1998–99.
In addition, the Ministry has begun consultation with industry representatives on proposals to amend the Meat (Hygiene, Inspection and Examinations for Residues) (Charges) Regulations 1995 which lay down the framework for harmonised hygiene charges, as required by EC rules. Consultation is also about to begin on the proposal to require the cost of MHS enforcement of Specified Risk Material controls to be charged to industry from 1 April 1998. For both proposals a Regulatory Appraisal will be prepared and presented to Parliament assessing the impact, including cost, on the industry. Representative organisations will have an opportunity to comment, and contribute to, the draft Regulatory Appraisals during the consultations.