§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the criteria by which companies are given permission to operate abattoirs in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HuntUntil 31 December 1992 companies may only operate slaughterhouses if they are currently licensed by their local authority under the Slaughterhouses Act 1974. From 1 January 1993 they will also need to be licensed by the Welsh Office Agriculture Department in accordance with the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992. The procedures for Agriculture Departments' licences will ensure that operators have a fair chance to make any improvements needed and that, as far as possible, any special circumstances are considered 631W before a decision on licensing is taken. The overriding criterion will be whether the hygiene status of the meat is put at risk by the method of operation in or the construction of the premises. In the event of the refusal of a licence, an operator will he able to appeal to the Meat Hygiene Appeals Tribunal.