§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact of additional official veterinary service charges upon the viability of United Kingdom abattoirs. [57723]
§ Mr. RookerThe impact on GB abattoirs will depend upon the circumstances prevailing at individual premises. These include the current level of veterinary supervision, the size and throughput of the premises, the complexity and standard of hygiene of operations and the type of animal being slaughtered. The MHS will notify plant operators of the intended arrangements and the charging implications for their plant in advance of any changes being made.