§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedures are in place to monitor imported pigmeat products to ensure(a) that they have not been fed on pigswill, and (b) in cases where they have, that swill is prepared up to acceptable standards of safety and hygiene. [76304]
§ Mr. MorleyImports into the United Kingdom of pig meat and other products are governed by European Community rules. These do not include procedures to determine whether pigmeat products have been fed on swill.
As regards pigmeat and pigmeat products imported from other EU member states, most EU countries have already introduced domestic bans on the feeding of swill. With effect from 1 November 2002 new EU rules 818W on animal by-products will impose an EU-wide ban on the feeding of swill. These provisions are designed to prevent the spread of disease in live animals.
Pigmeat and pigmeat products imported from third countries must come from approved establishments in approved countries and must be accompanied by agreed veterinary certification. The veterinary certification confirms that public and animal health requirements for import have been complied with and ensures that imported meat is derived from animals free from disease, whether or not they have been fed on swill. It must also confirm that the meat is derived from animals which have been subjected to a veterinary inspection during the 24 hours prior to slaughter and showed no signs of disease. The meat is also subjected to post mortem veterinary inspection. Community regulations require that meat and meat products imported from third countries must be produced to standards at least equivalent to those applied to Community production.
§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has to compensate pig farmers who have invested in pigswill processing plant, buildings and equipment. [76312]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government does not intend to compensate pig farmers for changes to the feed material available for their livestock following the introduction of the ban on swill feeding. However the Government is providing free business advice to those affected by the ban.
§ Mr. George HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost to pig farmers of the ban on pigswill. [76313]
§ Mr. MorleyA copy of the Regulatory Impact Assessment which accompanied the Animal By Products (Amendment) Order 2002 (S.I. 2001 No. 1704) is available in the library of the House.