HC Deb 09 February 1981 vol 998 c276W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assurances the Government have given to British poultrymeat producers that United Kingdom standards of poultrymeat inspection will be adapted to those in other European Economic Community countries.

Mr. Wiggin

Negotiations on a harmonised Community standard of poultrymeat inspection will begin shortly on the basis of Commission proposals. Our own inspection levels will be adjusted, if necessary, to the agreed standard which all member States undertake to apply. It is the common aim of Government, local authorities and the industry that the quality of the product should be maintained.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether disparity in costs to United Kingdom poultrymeat processors will arise when the inspection equalisation scheme ends in August 1981; and what proposals he intends to make to resolve this disparity.

Mr. Wiggin

This could be one of the consequences of the ending of the British Poultry Federation scheme. Officials will be discussing this matter with the federation and local authority associations, taking account of proposals on charging which are expected very soon from the Commission.

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