§ Sir Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what criteria he used in fixing the increase in meat inspection charges at 65 per cent.; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Government have made no such increase in charges. The European Commission has published proposals for minimum levels of charges for health inspections in slaughterhouses engaged in intra-Community trade. As has been explained to representatives of the meat trade, we consider the proposed minimum levels to be excessive and we will be seeking changes to the proposals.