§ Mr. HurstTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the methods for charging and the cost of hygiene and veterinary inspections of slaughterhouses in other EU countries. [114948]
§ Ms QuinIn late 1998, we carried out a survey of meat inspection charges in other member states via our Agricultural Attachés in those countries. The Meat and Livestock Commission subsequently carried out a separate inquiry (the Pratt Report) into meat inspection charges and other enforcement costs. Both have been published and copies are available in the Library of the House.
Copies have also been provided to the European Commission. The Government have made clear to the Commission their concerns over the lack of transparency
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§ Dr. Moonie[holding answer 13 March 2000]: The number of married quarters of each type occupied at the beginning of each quarter since January 1997 is as follows:
in the charging arrangements applied in other member states and their doubts as to whether such charges are being set on a common basis throughout the European Union, in accordance with Community law.
My right hon. Friend the Minister and officials continue to press the Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of the way in which the EU Charges Directive has been implemented in all member states, and to establish the level of inspection charges in each country. We understand that, as a result, the Commission will shortly be issuing a questionnaire to all member states as the first stage of such an investigation.