§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations and discussions she has had with(a) small abattoirs, (b) slaughterhouses and (c) independent butchers regarding the Animal By-Products Regulation. [111111]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department has undertaken extensive consultation during the negotiations on the Animal By-Products Regulation. This has included discussions with representatives of the abattoir and butchery industries.
§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to(a) maintain and (b) encourage the development of new (i) small abattoirs, (ii) slaughterhouses and (iii) butchers under the Animal By-Products Regulation. [111119]
§ Mr. MorleyThe purpose of the Animal By-Products Regulation is to ensure that animal by-products are used or disposed of safely. The Department has, however, taken steps where possible to minimise the impact on these industries. We are encouraging our regional partners to deploy the schemes within the England Rural Development Programme to support the network of small and medium abattoirs where a regional need is identified.
§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2003,Official Report, column 22W, on Animal By-Products Regulations, for what reason remainders of wild animal carcases which have been used to produce game trophies are not exempt from the scope of the regulation. [111395]
§ Mr. MorleyThese controls are in place to maintain existing controls on the trade and import of game trophies under the Balai Directive (92/118/EEC).