§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to prevent the illegal slaughtering of goats and sheep, involving the removal of hides by oxyacetylene blowtorches; and if he will make a statement. [81394]
§ Mr. RookerThe Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995 (as amended) which implement the EC Fresh Meat Directive (64/433/EEC as amended) in Great Britain, make it an offence for any person to sell for human consumption fresh meat which has not been produced under veterinary supervision in licensed premises.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) will investigate any allegations relating to the illegal production of singed sheep and goat carcases, commonly known as `smokies'. Where there is sufficient evidence that such activity has taken place, and it is in the public interest to do so, MAFF will prosecute those involved, in co-operation with Local Authority Environmental Health Departments as appropriate.