§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department will carry out a study of the cost and staffing implications of the timing of his proposals for red and poultry meat inspection services; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. SoamesIn March this year the Government announced their intention to transfer the responsibility for meat hygiene inspection and enforcement from local authorities to a new national meat hygiene service, following a detailed independent study which looked at the financial, management, staffing and other aspects of various options. The Government will work closely with the local authorities to ensure that the new arrangements, which will be dependent on the availability of parliamentary time for the necessary primary legislation, are introduced as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible.