§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the start and finishing date of the independent public inquiry into the reasons for the closure of the Mead Webber abattoir; [131622]
(2) if he will list the factors underlying the delay in opening the independent public inquiry into the reasons for the closure of the Mead Webber abattoir. [131623]
§ Ms Stuart[holding answer 21 July 2000]I understand from the Food Standards Agency that the arrangements for the independent investigation have been agreed but that Mead Webber Ltd. has indicated that it will not specify its complaint against the Meat Hygiene Service until related assault allegations have been resolved. Work on the investigation will begin as soon as a formal complaint has been received. In the circumstances, it is not possible to estimate its finishing date.