§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to encourage more slaughterhouses to be built.
§ Mr. William RossThe construction of meat slaughterhouses is primarily a matter for commercial decision. I have no evidence that the present facilities, together with projects at the planning or construction stage, will prove inadequate for the needs of producers and processors in Scotland, but I will keep the matter under review.
§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that all slaughterhouses built in future will conform to EEC standards.
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§ Mr. William RossSlaughterhouse developments must comply with domestic regulations, but it is a matter for the commercial judgment of the developer as to whether a slaughterhouse should also conform to the requirements for exporting meat to other EEC countries. My information is, however, that all the slaughterhouses at present under constuction in Scotland are being built with a view to meeting those requirements.