Mr. Wm. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why the veterinary charge of 50p per head has been imposed on cattle slaughtered at meat plants in Northern Ireland; what is the estimated sum that will be raised in the current year; whether the charge is a permanent one; whether a similar charge is made in Great Britain; and upon what types of cattle the charge is to be paid.
§ Mr. ConcannonCharging for inspection of carcases exported from Northern Ireland, which was temporarily suspended in 1967 to help the meat processing industry to become established in the face of economic difficulties, was reintroduced this year to cover part of the cost of the meat inspection and certification service provided by the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture. This service, which is provided under the Agricultural Produce (Meat Regulation and Pig Industry) Act (Northern Ireland) 1962, enhances the reputation of Northern Ireland meat in the market in Great Britain and is necessary to enable the plants to meet the requirements of markets in other countries.
It is estimated that the fees collected from inspections for the current year will be approximately £100,000. Charges are 747W made on all types of cattle. The system of charging is permanent, though the rates will be kept under review.
Charges are made by local authorities in Great Britain for all meat inspected, although there is some variation in the level of fees from one area to another.