§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of abattoirs in Wales and their combined average throughput in (a) 1970, (b) 1980, (c) 1990, (d) 1991 and (e) 1992; and what are the most recent figures available.
§ Mr. David HuntAnnual statistics derived from the survey of Welsh slaughterhouses are given in the following table. (Comparable figures are not available for the years 1970 and 1980—details for 1985 are therefore included):
Year Number of abattoirs open1 Average throughput per abattoir (LUs)2 1985 72 5,454 1990 57 8,824 1991 55 9,964 1992 47 8,171 The most recent figures available show that 41 abattoirs in Wales are currently licensed to operate under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992.
1Open at any time during the year.
21 LU (livestock unit) = One adult cattle/calf or seven sheep or three pigs.