§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
How they balance their concerns for animal welfare, small businesses and rural communities with their policies towards smaller abattoirs. [HL1597]
§ Lord DonoughueThe Government recognise se that the additional costs being placed on the meat industry are unwelcome and may lead to the closure of some small abattoirs. This is regretted.
From an animal welfare point of view, it is preferable for slaughter to take place as close as possible to the farm of origin. However, detailed rules are in place to protect animals from unnecessary suffering whenever they are transported: these include limits on journey time, and are enforced by local authorities.
The Government have made clear their wish to see a vibrant and thriving rural economy. To that end, they have taken action including the provision of additional funds for rural transport initiatives and the introduction of rate relief for single village shops and post offices. They are due to publish a White Paper on their policies for rural areas in the autumn. In addition, the Government have made an exceptional effort in the past year to provide additional support to the livestock industry, in particular through the special livestock aid package last November.