HL Deb 28 July 1997 vol 582 cc15-6WA
Lord Alderdice

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the current process of tendering by the Intervention Board, in respect of the over 30 months scheme for the slaughter of cattle in Northern Ireland, will ensure a sufficient geographical spread and practical availability of abattoirs for the use of farmers throughout Northern Ireland.

Lord Donoughue

With effect from 28 July 1997, two abattoirs in Northern Ireland will have contracts to slaughter cattle qualifying for the over 30 months scheme. Having regard to the location and capacity of the two abattoirs, I am satisfied that these new arrangements will strike the right balance between the cost to the taxpayer and reasonable access to the scheme for producers in Northern Ireland.