HL Deb 11 October 1999 vol 605 cc44-5WA
Lord Willoughby de Broke

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What correspondence they have had recently with the European Commission on the subject of derogation for low throughput abattoirs from some of the provisions of Directive 64/433; and [HL3923]

When they will place copies in the Library of the House of recent correspondence with the European Commission on the subject of derogation for low throughput abattoirs from some of the provisions of Directive 64/433; and [HL3924]

What legal advice they have received relating to the recent exchange of correspondence between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the European Commission on the subject of derogation for low throughput abattoirs from some of the provisions of Directive 64/433. [HL3925]

Baroness Hayman

Earlier this year the Government sought the views of the European Commission on the level and frequency of veterinary supervision required by Directive 64/433/EEC (as amended) for those low throughput (permanently derogated) slaughterhouses and cutting plants approved under Article 4 of the directive. The resulting guidance from the Commission is being considered, together with advice from MAFF legal department, as part of the Meat Charges Impact Study. An announcement will be made once the study is completed. A copy of the Commission's guidance will be placed in the Library of the House at that time.