HC Deb 31 October 2000 vol 355 cc370-1W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received on(a) the future of small abattoirs and (b) the level of meat hygiene charges. [132891]

Mr. Nick Brown

I have received a large number of representations on this subject. They will be taken into account before decisions are reached on the recommendations of the Meat Inspections Charges Task Force.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the future of small abattoirs; and if he will make a statement. [132889]

Mr. Nick Brown

I am well aware of concerns about the future position of small and medium enterprises. That is why the Agriculture Strategy launched in March set up a Task Force to review the issue of meat inspection charges as they bear on this sector. My colleagues and I are now considering the Task Force recommendations.