HL Deb 31 March 1994 vol 553 cc65-6WA
Lord Stoddart of Swindon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their intention to set up a meat hygiene agency and, if so, under what powers they will do so.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Howe)

The Government first announced their intention to set up the meat hygiene service (MHS) in March 1992. The launch date is April 1995. Although powers are not required to set it up, as an executive agency of MAFF, there is provision in the Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill to ensure that it can carry out, cost-effectively, the welfare, hygiene and inspection responsibilities being transferred from local authorities. Amendments to secondary legislation will also be required.