§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what steps he has taken to ensure that the economic advantages of competitive tendering, as set out in the Public Services Contracts Regulations 1993, have been effectively pursued in the allocations to abattoirs of cattle under the 30-month slaughter programme; [37030]
(2) what steps he has taken to meet the requirements of EU directive 92/50 on competitive tendering in the allocations to abattoirs of cattle under the 30-month slaughter programme. [37032]
§ Mr. Boswell[holding answer 12 July 1996]: The requirements of Council directive 92/50/EEC as implemented by the Public Services Contracts Regulations 1993 have only limited application to the procurement of slaughtering services. Competitive tendering for allocations to abattoirs of cattle under the 30-month slaughter scheme was precluded by a number of factors including time constraints, the interrelationships between the sectors of the industry and, in particular, the limitation on rendering capacity. Allocations were granted to abattoirs according to criteria which have been announced by the Government which were: a traditional large-scale trade in cows and heavy steers; logistical consideration such as geographical spread and proximity to Tenderers; committed to accepting casualty animals; currently operating and with EC approved status; and the ability to process at least 100 animals a day on days specified for participation.