HC Deb 11 December 1997 vol 302 c680W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the level of charges being imposed on family butchers and other small businesses for collection and removal of offal and related products. [20268]

Mr. Rooker

The Government recognise that the meat supply chain, including butchers and other small businesses, has suffered as a result of the BSE crisis. Substantial support has been provided since April 1996 to prevent the disorderly collapse of the chain. This is now being phased out to allow the industry to adjust to the changing economics. However, the Government cannot continue to shield the chain from the post-BSE economics of meat production in the United Kingdom.