HC Deb 04 March 1991 vol 187 cc68-9W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what basis European Community veterinary inspectors decide which slaughterhouses they will visit when they make their routine checks; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

Decisions are taken by the European Community Commission. Selection is random, but practical considerations generally result in visits being made to particular geographical areas. The Commission aims to have inspected all existing approved plants at least once by the end of 1992.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when European Community veterinary inspectors will next visit the United Kingdom; whether he will name the slaughterhouses chosen for such a visit; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

European Community veterinary inspectors will visit slaughterhouses in England on 11–22 March and in Scotland on 8–19 April. They intend visiting the following slaughterhouses in England:

EWS 17, 24, 30, 41, 51, and 108.

The visits planned for Scotland are a matter for the Secretary of State for Scotland.

Further visits are planned to slaughterhouses in England and Northern Ireland in June and July, but itineraries have yet to be finalised.

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