§ Mr. Peter Millsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what grants are available for small slaughterhouses to modernise either from United Kingdom or European Economic Community funds.
§ Mr. David MitchellGrants are available under the redmeat slaughterhouse industry scheme, introduced under section 8 of the Industry Act 1972 on 11 September 1978 for projects designed to meet statutory hygiene standards; to deal effectively with supplies of fatstock; and to participate in the common agricultural policy of the EEC. Applications for assistance must be made before work is started on a project, and submitted to my Department by 30 November 1980.
Grants are also available—normally at a rate of 25 per cent. of capital expenditure—from the European agricultural 65W guidance and guarantee fund—FEOGA—under the provisions of EEC regulation No. 355/77. Slaughterhouse projects costing more than £25,000 are eligible for consideration provided they are succesful in obtaining a grant under the redmeat slaughterhouse industry scheme. No project may receive more than 50 per cent. of the eligible project costs from public funds promotion and any other sources, including regional development grant where applicable.