HL Deb 23 June 1999 vol 602 cc98-9WA
Lord Addington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is appropriate for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to initiate or threaten prosecutions of slaughterhouse licence holders for alleged offences under the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations which arise directly from actions or instructions of staff of the Meat Hygiene Service. [HL3027]

Lord Donoughue

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, when initiating prosecutions, acts in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, and will consider both whether there is sufficient evidence and whether it is in the public interest for the prosecution to be taken. Part of that consideration necessarily includes any defences or mitigation that the prospective defendant might advance, including instructions or advice given by officials.