§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by how much the cost of meat inspection was increased in each 12 month period since the Meat Hygiene Service became operational; and what estimate he has made of cost to the industry for 1999. [68127]
§ Mr. RookerThe total cost of the Meat Hygiene Service to the industry since the launch of the Agency in April 1995 has been:
Year Cost (£ million) Percentage increase/decrease 1995–96 128.9 — 1996–97 26.0 11% decrease 1997–98 29.8 15% increase 1998–992 33.1 11% increase 1 The total cost of the MHS in 1995–96 was £31.4 million. However, £2.5 million concerned transitional relief funded by government for the set up of the new Agency. 2 Latest forecast From 1995–96 certain MHS enforcement costs, such as those for Specified Risk Material controls, were met by Government.
The MHS budget for 1999–2000 is currently being prepared. Figures for 1999–2000 are therefore not yet available. However, after careful consideration, my right hon. Friend the Minister announced on 14 January 1999, Official Report, column 291, that the Government can no longer defer the introduction of charges to industry to cover the costs of SRM controls. It is proposed that these costs should be transferred from the taxpayer to industry from 29 March 1999. A consultation package on this proposal was issued on 14 January.