§ Mr. Thorpeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licensed slaughterhouses there are in the County of Devon; and of these, how many do not conform to the new Ministry standards.
§ Mr. John MackieThere are 84 licensed slaughterhouses in the County of Devon and the 1958 slaughterhouse regulations are fully applicable throughout the county. The enforcement of these regulations is the responsibility of the local authorities. I understand that there is general compliance with the requirements of the regulations, but that because some of the slaughterhouses are old, constant vigilance is needed both on the part of the local authorities and the occupiers of the slaughterhouses to maintain the standards laid down.