§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total number of abattoirs in the United Kingdom; what proportion have been and will be visited by European Community inspectors; and if. he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 6 March 1989]: At the end of 1988 there were 937 abattoirs in the United Kingdom, of which 99 were export-approved. European Commission inspectors aim to visit 10 per cent. of export-approved premises each year. The remainder is under the control of local authorities, which appoint environmental health officers for supervision.