§ Miss Boothroydasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he plans to change the regulations governing the fees paid for the services of meat 359W inspectors and the appeals procedure; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WigginMy Department circulated proposals earlier this year to amend the charging provisions of the Meat Inspection Regulations 1963, as amended in 1976. The amendments would require local authorities in determining meat inspection charges to consult the slaughterhouse operators concerned and to have regard to certain listed cost factors. The ministerial power to vary charges which are considered in any respect unreasonable would be replaced by provision for appeal to the magistrates' courts. Consultations on these proposals are continuing.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further progress has been made in reaching a conclusion on the new common fisheries policy negotiations; and if he will make a new statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI refer my hon. Friend to the statement my right hon. Friend made today about the outcome of the meeting of the EEC Council of Fisheries Ministers on 28 October.