Poultry (Slaughter and Dressing)

HC Deb 30 June 1976 vol 914 cc178-80W

Mr. John Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations the National Farmers' Union made to his Department about EEC Directive 75/431 up to 5th June 1975 and after that date;

(2) what representations the National Farmers' Union made to his Department about EEC Directive 71/118 up to 5th June 1975, and after that date; what representations they received regarding EEC Directive 75/431 up to 5th June 1975 and after that date; and from which organisations.

Mr. Strang

In the period prior to 5th June 1975, representations were received from three main interests on Directive 71/118 and on the draft amending Directive, 74/431. A joint committee representing producers, the poultry meat industry and distributors raised matters concerning production and sale of uneviscerated poultry, the British Poultry Meat Association covered a wide range of issues, and the Environmental Health Officers' Association was concerned with the requirements for poultry meat inspection and veterinary supervision. My Department maintained liaison with all these interests during the negotiation of the amending directive and all were aware of the likely outcome before decisions were taken in July 1975. Subsequently, further representations were received from a wider range of interests, especially following the circulation of proposals for implementing Regulations, and an extensive series of consultations has ensued.

Mr. John Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what will be the effect on small poultry processors of EEC Directives 71/118 and 75/431;

(2) how many small poultry processors he estimates will leave the industry because of EEC Directives 71/118 and 75/431.

Mr. Strang

Some of the small processors are likely to comply fully with these hygiene requirements while others will wish to take advantage of the special exemptions provided for producer sales. As I told the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Jones) on 10th June—[Vol. 912, c.764–5.]—we are considering whether there is anything further we can do to help such small businesses. At this stage it is too soon to give firm figures.

Mr. John Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the EEC Commission first presented Directive 71/118 to the Council of Ministers; and when the Council accepted it.

Mr. Strang

The Commission presented its proposals on 19th December 1963. The Council enacted the directive on 15th February 1971.