HC Deb 22 December 1997 vol 303 cc453-4W
Mr. Moore

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to require(a) supermarkets and (b) other retail outlets to notify customers of the country of origin and age of the animals in the case of all fresh and frozen meat sold by them. [21803]

having considered any matter arising out of the auditing under his part of this Act of the accounts of any local authority and having made such further enquiries (if any) as he may think fit.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the public local inquiries conducted by the Accounts Commission arising from special reports by the Controller of Audit for each year since 1992, giving the cost of each inquiry. [20989]

Mr. Macdonald

The Accounts Commission for Scotland has the power to hold hearings under section 103(2) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. I understand from them that hearings have been held as follows:

  • 1992: 1—Western Isles Council
  • 1993: 0
  • 1994: 0
  • 1995: 0
  • 1996: 0
  • 1997:1—East Lothian District Council.

The costs of holding hearings are not separately identified. They are part of the overall performance of the Commission's statutory functions, and there have been no additional costs in relation to officers' or members' remuneration.

Mr. Home Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the special reports by the Controller of Audit submitted to the Accounts Commission in each of the years 1992–93 to 1996–97, giving(a) a brief description of each and (b) the final decision of the Accounts Commission in each case. [20988]

Mr. Macdonald

The Accounts Commission for Scotland have provided the following information.

Special reports were submitted as follows:

Mr. Macdonald

None but, subject to Parliamentary approval, a voluntary Beef Labelling Scheme will be introduced on 1 April 1998. Retail outlets will not be required to label fresh or frozen beef or veal under the Scheme, but retailers will, with the prior approval of my Department, be able to use labels which give a wide range of information, including information as to the Country of origin, age of the cattle etc. If the information contained on the labels is confined to basic advice such as weight, cut, use by date, then Government approval is not needed.