HC Deb 13 April 1989 vol 150 cc690-1W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the total number of(a), dairy cattle and (b) all cattle slaughtered for human consumption in Britain during 1988; and how many of these were slaughtered at European Economic Community export-approved slaughterhouses.

Mr. Donald Thompson

It is provisionally estimated that 3.4 million cattle and calves were slaughtered in the United Kingdom in 1988, 1.8 million of which were in EC export-approved slaughterhouses. Dairy cattle slaughtered are not separately distinguished.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will introduce a scheme of compulsory veterinary ante-mortem inspection of all bovines submitted for slaughter to European Economic Community export approved and non-export approved slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The carcases of all animals slaughtered for human consumption are inspected post mortem. In EC export-approved slaughterhouses, an inspection of animals prior to slaughter is also required. I plan to introduce ante mortem inspection of animals in non-EC export-approved slaughterhouses by 1 January 1991.