§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the proposed Meat Hygiene Service charges; which organisations have expressed concern about their impact; and if he will make a statement. [81366]
§ Mr. RookerI have received a great many representations from within and outside of the meat industry on the proposed level of Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) charges for 1999–2000. The level of MHS charges to apply in 1999–2000 for hygiene/welfare inspection and for the enforcement of Specified Risk Material controls has yet to be decided. Ministers are still carefully considering proposals made by the MHS to ensure that they are fully cost justified. They will then be subject to full consultation with all plant operators. The results of the consultation will be reported back to Ministers who will then take final decisions on the level of rates to apply and their operative date.