§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Donoughue of 30 June 1999 (WA 33), whether spinal cord has been found in any United Kingdom slaughtered bovine carcass in the period since June 1999; and, if not, whether they yet consider it appropriate to reduce the level of inspection. [HL3249]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe Food Standards Agency advises me that since 30 June 1999 there has been only one finding of bovine spinal cord in a health marked carcass. This was detected during a State Veterinary Service audit visit and did not enter the food chain. The material was removed and disposed of.
The continued inspection of all carcasses for specified risk material is a vital public health protection and consumer reassurance measure. There are no plans to reduce the present level of inspection by the Meat Hygiene Service.
§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there have been any instances since 1 April 2001 of failure by the Meat Hygiene Service to provide a veterinary surgeon to a small or medium abattoir resulting in the closure of that business during the veterinary surgeon's absence; and, if so, who bore the costs of the closure. [HL3250]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathWe are not aware of any instances since 1 April 2001 of a failure by the Meat Hygiene Service to provide a veterinary surgeon to a small or medium abattoir resulting in the closure of that business during the veterinary surgeon's absence. However, should the noble Baroness have details of such a case, I will be happy to look into it on her behalf, if she could forward them to me.
§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many occupiers of slaughterhouses have requested independent settlement of a disagreement over an additional charge levied by the Meat Hygiene Service; and whether any of those occupiers have made more than one such request. [HL3252]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathSince April 2001, the operator of one slaughterhouse has appealed on one occasion against the issuing of an additional charge levied by the Meat Hygiene Service.