§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the estimated reduction in revenue to farmers when the proposed changes in the Meat (Staining and Sterilisation) Regulations, 1960, take place; and if he will make a statement on the economic problems that will arise from these regulations.
§ Mr. John MackieAs farmers sell a very small fraction of their stock to knackers any effect our proposals might have on farmers' revenue could be nominal only. We cannot make any more detailed statement about the proposals until my right hon. Friends have considered the representations which they have invited.
§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the capital cost of sterilisation plant that will be required for small licensed animal slaughterers under the new proposals for the Meat (Staining and Sterilisation) Regulations, 1960.
§ Mr. John MackieThe installation of sterilising plant at knackers' yards would not be necessary under our proposals, the effect of which would be that where no facilities existed at a knacker's yard the meat might be removed by arrangement with an authorised officer to a place where it would be sterilised or destroyed.