§ Lord BURTONasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of the alterations required in the handling of venison to meet European Health Regulations in the EEC, grant is available for the alterations to larders or for the supply of refrigerated plant and vehicles.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (Lord Hughes)There is no EEC Directive on game meat but the noble Lord may have in mind the regulations of the Federal Republic of Germany introduced at the beginning of the year setting hygienic standards for the production of home and imported game meat including venison.
Direct Government grant is not available to exporters for alterations to larders or for the supply of refrigerated plant and vehicles which may be necessary to meet the German requirements. However, the Highlands and Islands Development Board now entertain applications from estates within the Board's area for grant assistance of up to 35 per cent. of expenditure on improving the standard of existing deer larders or for providing new larders.
House adjourned at ten minutes before eight o'clock.