§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice and assistance will be given to small abattoirs to meet health and safety standards in the next two years. [139046]
§ Mr. BradshawWe are working in close co-operation with industry representatives, the Meat and Livestock Commission and regional partners to secure an appropriate network of abattoirs throughout the country. This includes the continuing role of small and medium sized enterprises. Official meat inspection costs are being offset by the Food Standards Agency by more than £20 million per annum. In addition we have advised abattoir owners on the requirements for blood collection under the new Animal By-Products regulations, particularly on how compliance costs for small businesses could be minimised. We will continue to take a constructive approach to the implementation of regulatory requirements including implementation of hazard analysis critical control point procedures.