§ Lord O'HAGANasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied that the EEC recognises the position of Environmental Health Officers in connection with the inspection, cutting and storage of meat; and if not, what steps they propose to take.
Earl FERRERSThe position remains broadly as set out in the reply which I gave the noble Lord on 3rd July. However, the EEC Commission has recently stated that, although it has not yet completed its consideration of the review of non-veterinary qualifications, it expects to be able to present a report and proposals to the Council in the near future. Our aim in the discussions which follow will be to secure recognition that environmental health officers are qualified to carry out supervision and to provide public health certification of meat products under the terms of the meat products Directive. The Government's policy is to oppose any proposal, beyond the poultry or red meat slaughterhouse, to extend veterinary involvement956WA in the duties which are now the responsibility of environmental health officers.