HC Deb 12 June 1997 vol 295 c536W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to return the functions currently exercised by the Meat Hygiene Service to local authority control; and if he will make a statement. [1574]

Mr. Rooker

The Government has published for consultation Professor James's report into the establishment of an independent Food Standards Agency and will look carefully at the options for the future of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) following the consultation exercise. Professor James himself states in his report that the arguments for dismantling the MHS and redistributing its responsibilities to Local Authorities are unconvincing, and that the new Agency should take over responsibility for the MHS.