§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what powers he has to place a ban on the import of meat from European Economic Community countries which consistently supply meat with health certificates in cases where the meat is found to be defective; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonCommunity rules require that only meat from export approved slaughterhouses and cutting plants which meet stringent structural, hygiene and inspection standards may be traded between member states. Complaints about consignments found to be defective are raised with the veterinary authorities of the exporting country who are required to take all necessary measures to correct the problem, including if necessary the withdrawal of export approval from the plant concerned. These arrangements work well. Directive 64/433/EEC on health problems affecting intra-Community trade in fresh meat sets out Community procedures for dealing with any problems which cannot be resolved between the competent 519W authorities of the member states. Under these, member states may be authorised to prohibit the import of meat from the plant concerned if, upon examination, such action is found to be justified.