HC Deb 17 February 1976 vol 905 c603W
Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify the situation of the EEC directive on poultry slaughter as regards the stipulation that there shall be an official veterinary surgeon who is on the premises full time, indicating whether this means constant supervision or not.

Mr. Strang

The directive does not specify the full-time attendance of an official veterinary surgeon but requires that ultimately the entire production of all poultry slaughterhouses shall be under the supervision of an official veterinary surgeon. He may be assisted by trained non-veterinary assistants acting under his responsibility and supervision. For slaughterhouses wishing to engage in intra-Community trade this requirement will have to be applied from the beginning of 1977, but for those engaging solely in production for the home market exemption from this requirement may be granted on application up to August 1979.

Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the EEC regulations on poultry slaughter, what advice he will give to the producers with limited throughputs.

Mr. Strang

As various types of business are involved, there is no single prescription. Such producers should seek individual advice in the light of the commercial, hygiene and other considerations.

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