§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the level of charges for Meat Hygiene Service veterinary surgeons in independent abattoirs. [105472]
§ Ms QuinOn 1 December the Government announced that Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) hygiene inspection charges for this financial year (1999–2000) would be frozen 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 2000–01 should not rise by more than the level of inflation above the levels charged in 1999–2000.
§ Mr. BreedTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in the review of the operations of the Meat Hygiene Service. [103351]
§ Ms QuinThe results of the efficiency review of the Meat Hygiene Service have been published as an annex to the report of the regulatory review of the meat industry, 187W the "Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group", which was issued on 13 December 1999, Official Report, column 89W. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.
The results of the efficiency review will be considered in the context of the recommendations made by the Red Tape Working Group. The Government expects to respond shortly.