§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to improve hygiene standards in slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe maintenance of hygiene standards in slaughterhouses is the statutory responsibility of local authorities (district councils). Officials of the Ministry's state veterinary service visit all slaughterhouses to give advice on the standards to be achieved. In preparation for the single market after 1992 we are discussing with other EC member states the implementation of a single set of rules for all slaughterhouses throughout the European Community.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ensure that standards of hygiene, and the possibility of inspection, in British slaughterhouses are not adversely affected by increases in the rate of slaughter.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonEnforcement of slaughterhouse hygiene and meat inspection legislation is the responsibility of local authorities. They have the duty to ensure that all meat sold for human consumption is produced under hygienic conditions and has been inspected and passed as fit for human consumption.