HC Deb 25 April 1994 vol 242 cc75-6W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many times her officials inspect a licensed mink farm each year to ensure compliance with the security arrangements of the Mink (Keeping) Order 1992.

Imports of veal, fresh or chilled or frozen—Weight in metric tones
1985 1986 11987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992
Carcases, half-carcases or "compensated" quarters of a unit weight of 136 kg or less for carcases or "compensated" quarters, or of a unit weight of not more than 68 kg for half-carcases, fresh or chilled
France 0 0 0 1 0 85 93 0
Holland 131 73 41 13 8 18 6 1
Italy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Separated or unseparated forequarters, of a unit weight of 60 kg or less for unseparated forequarters, or of a unit weight of 30 kg or less for separate forequarters, fresh or chilled
France 0 0 5 157 0 20 40 156
Holland 0 14 0 9 6 1 6 0
Italy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Mr. Soames

Licensed mink farms are inspected at least annually by the Agriculture Development Advisory Service before a licence is renewed to ensure that the security arrangements meet the stringent requirements of the Mink (Keeping) Regulations 1975. Further inspections may be made at any time during the year to ensure that the security arrangements have not deteriorated since the last inspection.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many mink farms are currently operating in England.

Mr. Soames

As at 31 March 1994, there were 10 licensed mink farms operating in England.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many inspections were carried out by her officials last year to ensure security arrangements at licensed mink farms complied with the Mink (Keeping) Order 1992.

Mr. Soames

During the 1993–94 financial year, 17 inspections of mink farms were carried out by the Agricultural Development Advisory Service on behalf of the Ministry.