§ Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of meat inspection expenses is being carried by the rates; how much by the charges for inspection per unit; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MackieI regret that the precise information asked for is not readily available. The charges which local authorities are empowered to make128W under the Meat Inspection Regulations, 1963, represent a total potential annual income over the whole of England and Wales of rather less than £1 million against an annual sum of about £140,000 under the Exchequer grant scheme which operated before the Regulations took effect. Overall therefore, the proportion of meat inspection expenses being carried by local rates must be very much less than it used to be. In some areas, however, the additional income is outweighed by the additional work needed to secure full inspection; so that the proportion borne by rates has increased. This is one of the many factors to be taken into account in my right hon. Friend's review of the working of the 1963 Regulations.