§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the consequences for the export of carcase meat to the EEC as a result of the directive requiring inspection by veterinarians rather than public health inspectors; to what extent he is satisfied that the latter are able satisfactorily to perform the inspection task; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartFor many years it has been a requirement of EEC member States that the inspection of red meat exported to them should be supervised by veterinarians, and the work is done by local veterinary inspectors. The EEC Meat Directive makes no change in this requirement.