Written question asked by Michael Stephen (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 May 1996. It was answered by Viscount Hailsham (Conservative) on Monday, 20 May 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: If he has fixed the 1996-97 Meat Hygiene Service inspection charges.

Answer: Mr. Stephen: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has fixed the 1996-97 Meat Hygiene Service inspection charges; and if he will make a statement.[30458] Mr. Douglas Hogg: The industry was notified by the Meat Hygiene Service in a letter from the MHS chief executive dated 15 March, of proposed increases to inspection charges for 1996-97. Bearing in mind the current crisis in the abattoir industry however, I have decided to defer the application of increased rates until 1 August 1996. In the light of BSE developments, we will be reviewing the proposed charges over the next few months against the aim of achieving full cost recovery for the Meat Hygiene Service in 1996-97. Should any change to the already notified charges prove to be necessary to meet that aim, they will be subject to further notification in accordance with statutory requirements. In the interim, the current charges will continue to apply.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 30458; 278 c2W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Fees and charges Inspections Slaughterhouses BSE Meat Hygiene Service