§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the abattoirs in Wales currently available for the slaughter of lambs for export to mainland Europe; if he has any proposals to provide part or full funding for new abattoirs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntThe following abattoirs in Wales are currently available for the slaughter of lambs for export to mainland Europe: Fairfield Meat Co, Maelor Abattoir, Marchwiel, Wrexham, Clwyd; Oriel Jones and Son Ltd, Teifi Park Abattoir, Llanybydder, Dyfed; and United Meat Packers (Wales) Ltd, Gaerwen Industrial Estate, Anglesey, Gwynedd.
Schemes for new abattoirs may be assisted by way of regional enterprise grants (if they are located in development areas and employ fewer than 25 people), or they could qualify for regional selective assistance (essentially if they create or safeguard employment and offer a distinct regional or national benefit). However, there are EC restrictions on the granting of support towards projects which increase United Kingdom slaughter capacity unless compensating reductions in capacity can be demonstrated.