HL Deb 04 November 2003 vol 654 c104WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, following the undertaking given by Lord Whitty during the debate on the TSE (England) Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/843) on 15 May 2002 (HL Deb. cols. 378–416), they have:

  1. (a) considered ways of ensuring that representations can be made against a notice of intended slaughter issued by a veterinary inspector; and
  2. (b) considered bringing in further regulations setting up an independent appeals adjudicator nominated by the British Veterinary Association;
and if so, with what results. [HL5058]

Lord Whitty

Defra officials have been working closely with people in industry, including the British Veterinary Association, to develop new ideas to improve ways of making representations. It is expected that a fully independent body will be a key component of any revised system. We are also seeking to introduce a single, consistent process for all appropriate parts of the regulations.

The new arrangements will need to be placed on a proper statutory footing. As such, we will consult on our new proposals, over the coming weeks, as part of a package of relatively minor changes to the TSE regulations.