HC Deb 11 June 1996 vol 279 cc134-5W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the operation of the 30-month cattle slaughter scheme as it effects farmers in Buckinghamshire. [31150]

Mr. Baldry

The scheme is running at full throughput at present, given the limited rendering capacity to deal with carcases of animals slaughtered. I am aware that the geographic coverage of abattoirs operating under the scheme is not ideal in every area, including Buckinghamshire. Farmers in Buckinghamshire should use their nearest available approved collection centres to present animals under the scheme.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the cost of the proposed slaughter of the additional cattle proposed for slaughter in the week ended 18 May [31250]

Mr. Baldry

A total of 15,932 animals were slaughtered under the over 30 months scheme in the week ended 19 May. The cost of slaughtering them amounts to £1.4 million. It is not possible to calculate the cost of purchase of the animals since we do not yet have details of the weight and type of all the individual animals.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will add Baniells Meats, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and Much Meat at Witney, Oxfordshire, to the list of approved abattoirs for the 30-month cattle slaughter scheme; and if he will make a statement. [31151]

Mr. Baldry

I have no plans at present to add to the existing list of abattoirs operating under the scheme. Those already operating are taking the maximum throughput possible that can be absorbed by the rendering facilities and cold storage facilities currently available.

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