§ Mr. H. Hyndasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now announce measures to help those local authorities on which the cost of inspecting meat at slaughterhouses places an unduly heavy burden.
Mr. AmoryYes. The Government are anxious to see the fullest possible inspection of meat at slaughterhouses. They recognise that in some areas where much of the meat inspected is not for local consumption the cost may represent an unduly heavy burden on the local authority. They have therefore decided to offer a contribution towards the cost of inspection in such cases. The detailed arrangements are now under consideration and local authorities will be informed as soon as possible. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked me to say that similar steps are being taken in Scotland. I must emphasise, however, that this is a provisional measure subject to review in the light of any general reorganisation of the structure and finance of local government.