§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many slaughterhouses have failed to reach the required standards of hygiene and animal welfare in the last year. [31129]
(2) how many slaughterhouses have been closed down on hygiene and welfare grounds in the last year. [31130]
§ Mrs. BrowningI refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 13 June 1995 to the hon. Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Ms Jackson)Official Report, column 512.
§ Dr. JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what checks are made on the standards of hygiene and animal welfare in slaughterhouses abroad to which animals are sent; and how many slaughterhouses have been closed following such checks in the last year. [31131]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe European Commission carries out inspections of slaughterhouses in member states primarily to check on hygiene standards. Inspections are not confined to slaughterhouses to which British animals are sent. Reports are not published but, following the visits, the inspectors notify the central authorities in the country concerned of any deficiencies found. Those authorities are responsible for ensuring that the necessary corrective action is taken.
EC Directive 93/119/EC, on the protection of animals at slaughter, which came into force on 1 January 1995, makes provision for the Commission inspectors to check establishments to ensure uniform application of the welfare standards laid down. The Government look to the Commission to monitor the enforcement of all Community farm animal welfare legislation. In addition we follow up with the Commission and other member states, as appropriate, specific allegations of breaches of Community welfare directives.