Tourism

HC Deb 01 February 1989 vol 146 cc241-2W

Mr. Gregory

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much financial assistance has been given by his Department towards tourism for each year since 1983; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

Under the agricultural improvement scheme introduced in 1985 grants for tourism and craft facilities were available in the less-favoured areas. The farm diversification grant scheme, introduced in January 1988 extended the list of eligible activities and offered grants of 25 per cent. on capital investments both inside and outside the LFA. Over two thirds of applications under that scheme have been for tourism and recreation projects. Grant approved for craft and tourism and farm diversification projects in England has been:

	£
1986	161,293
1987	186,181
1988	2,587,902

In addition, the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service has continued to offer free general advice to individuals and to marketing groups such as the Farm Holiday Bureau.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action his Department took to prevent distribution of animal feed contaminated with salmonella from those protein processing plants identified as being contaminated by salmonella during 1987 and 1988.

Mr. Ryder

[holding answer 30 January 1989]My official have routinely inspected all protein processing plants to monitor their compliance with the requirements of the Protein Processing Order 1981 and, when salmonella has been found in samples of their product, notices have been served on the plant requiring compliance with the bacteriological standard within a time limit. In all cases resampling has been carried out until a salmonella-free product has been produced. A new statutory provision to stop the supply of products from processing plants where salmonella is found, is being made today.

Mr. Lord

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the action he is taking on salmonella in eggs.

Mr. Ryder

[pursuant to the reply, 18 January 1989, c. 214]An order has now been made giving powers to Ministry inspectors to prevent movement of processed animal protein out of premises where salmonella contamination has been detected by testing samples of the product. The order is an amendment to the Diseases of Animals (Protein Processing) Order 1981.