Meat Hygiene Service

HC Deb 06 December 1999 vol 340 cc348-9W

Mr. Peter Bradley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the level of Meat Hygiene Service charges. [101638]

Mr. Nick Brown

On 1 December, the Government announced that Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) hygiene inspection charges for the whole of 1999–2000 would be held at the levels set for 1998–99. This will result in a saving to the meat industry of some £7 million in charges in 1999–2000. The Government have also given a commitment that the rates of MHS hygiene inspection charges in 2000–02 should not rise by more than the level of inflation above the levels charged in 1999–2000.

This will bring benefits across the livestock industry and demonstrates the Government's commitment to helping the sector through its present difficulties.