§ Mr. Spenceasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much it costs per carcase a British pigmeat exporter to have carcases inspected for export purposes; what are the comparative costs for meat export inspection in each of the European Community countries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerMeat inspection charges are determined by local authorities and vary considerably between different slaughterhouses, but a recent survey carried out by the Meat and Livestock Commission indicates that the average charge in large slaughterhouses in Great Britain is in the region of 30p per pig. Export slaughterhouses have in addition to pay the cost of supervision by official veterinary surgeons but this is normally calculated on a contract basis and the amount payable per exported animal depends on various factors including the percentage of throughput exported. I understand that in other member states there is considerable variation in the methods of applying inspection charges, which in some cases are higher than in this country and in others lower.