§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in which other EU countries meat inspection charges are levied on the industry; and at what rate. [57724]
§ Mr. RookerCouncil Directive 85/73/EEC (as amended) on the financing of veterinary inspections and controls requires Member States to recover the costs of those hygiene inspections conducted at licensed fresh meat premises in accordance with harmonised EC meat hygiene rules. The Directive sets minimum standard charges (in ECU) applicable in all Member States for hygiene inspections of red meat, poultry meat and game meat dependent on the species and size of animals being slaughtered. Subject to meeting specified criteria such as the efficiency of operations at individual plants, the Directive provides for the standard charge to be abated by up to 55 per cent. Conversely, where the actual cost of inspection exceeds the standard charge, the Directive provides for actual costs to be charged. Similar principles apply in respect of charges for cutting plants.
The actual level of hygiene inspection charges levied on individual meat plants is set by the competent authority in each Member State within the framework laid down by the Directive. Information about the level of such charges in other Member States is not yet available. I am seeking such information and will write to the hon. Member, although this may take some time.