§ Mr. George Grantasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licensed poultry packing plants in the United Kingdom operating under the Poultry Meat (Hygiene) Regulations 1976 do not currently have any official veterinary surgeon supervision; and what proposals he has to rectify this situation.
§ Mrs. FennerEnforcement of the Poultry Meat (Hygiene) Regulations in Great Britain is a local authority responsibility. I understand that in a small number of establishments not using the European Community health mark the official veterinary supervision required by the regulations is not at present being provided. I would expect the local authorities concerned to take early steps to meet their statutory responsibilities. The corresponding regulations in Northern Ireland are administered by the Department of Agriculture and all licensed plants there have official veterinary supervision.