§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many man years have been used by his staff involved in listing all abattoirs to advise on hygiene and welfare standards in exporting premises for 1990–91 and 1991–92; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerLocal authorities are responsible for enforcing legislation on hygiene and welfare at abattoirs. Officers of my Department visit all abattoirs to advise on hygiene and welfare standards and, in relation to export-approved red meat premises, to ensure that Community requirements are observed. The manpower involved amounted to 60 man years in 1990–91; the figure for 1991–92 is expected to show an increase over this figure to reflect increased demand for advice on single market requirements.