HC Deb 17 July 1978 vol 954 cc12-3W
Mr. Michael Morris

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many circulars his Department has issued to local authorities (a) in England and (b) in England and Wales, in each year since 1974; and how many issued instructions increasing the statutory duties of local authorities.

Mr. John Silkin

My Department has issued circulars to local authorities in England and Wales as follows: 1974–91; 1975–110; 1976–147; 1977–118; 1978, to date—47. The great majority concerned changes in the lists of overseas establishments approved to export meat and meat products to the United Kingdom. None increased the statutory duties of local authorities.