§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions he has had with representatives from meat retail outlets regarding the hygiene changes recommended in Professor Pennington's report; [12989]
374W(2) what plans he has to make (a) grants and (b) compensation available to family-run butchers to help convert their premises to meet the hygiene recommendations in Professor Pennington's report; [12987]
(3) what length of time butcher shops will be given to implement the hygiene recommendations in Professor Pennington's report. [12988]
§ Mr. Michael ForsythAs I made clear in my letter of 16 January to all hon. Members, both the Government and Professor Pennington are still considering the interim recommendations regarding licensing and separation requirements. As a part of this process, I have asked my Department to examine the practical implications of these recommendations and in so doing to consult consumers, health professionals, environmental health officers, processors and retailers.