HC Deb 04 February 1998 vol 305 cc676-7W
Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he intends to take to facilitate the export of sheepmeat from Wales to(a) the European Union and (b) elsewhere. [27063]

Mr. Win Griffiths

My right hon. Friend supports Welsh Food Promotions Limited (WFP) and Welsh Lamb and Beef Promotions Limited (WLBP) who operate the Welsh Lamb Export Marketing Initiative Co-ordinating Group set up in 1992 to co-ordinate the activities of Welsh Lamb Export. In 1997–98, direct expenditure under the initiative totalled £200,000 of which £120,000 was aimed solely at direct promotional support on the targeted European markets such as France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Greece. In 1998–99, expenditure on direct promotional support will be some £150,000.

In 1996 (the latest figures available) sales reached 18,000 carcases tons weight which was 17 per cent. of the total GB exports of lamb.

In addition, WFP support marketed funding from export plants towards specific retail promotions and technical and marketing support from the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) Lamb Export Marketing Manager in execution of the MLC Lamb Export plan which runs in parallel with the Welsh programme.

WFP aim to promote product development to meet retailer and consumer demands, specific value added products such as the successful Agneaux Gallois and retail promotions in major EU and other overseas markets.

Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the total extra costs over the next 12 months for the livestock industry in Wales resulting from the removal of specified risk materials required from sheep carcases from animals of over 12 months of age. [27068]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The additional cost to the livestock industry in Wales in the next financial year resulting from the charging of Specified Risk Material inspection for sheep and goats is estimated to be £1.3 million.

Mr. Livsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the total costs for the livestock industry in Wales in the next financial year resulting from the implementation of new meat hygiene service, livestock traceability and specified risk material removal requirements. [27062]

Mr. Win Griffiths

The additional costs to the livestock industry in Wales in the next financial year arising from the charging of Specified Risk Material inspection by the Meat Hygiene Service for cattle, sheep and goats is estimated to be £2.7 million. For cattle traceability, the new Cattle Tracing System (CTS) will be in operation. The costs of the CTS will be met by a charge for the issuing of cattle passports. Details are not yet finalised, but the cost is estimated at between £5 and £10 per passport.