Written question asked by Gavin Strang (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 March 1997. It was answered by Viscount Hailsham (Conservative) on Friday, 21 March 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: If he will list all prosecutions of abattoirs for breaches of hygiene legislation that have (a) taken place and (b) succeeded, in each year since 1985. - Inc fact that information on any prosecutions which may have been brought between 1985 and 1 April 1995 is not held centrally.

Answer: Dr. Strang: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all prosecutions of abattoirs for breaches of hygiene legislation that have (a) taken place and (b) succeeded, in each year since 1985. [21679] Mr. Douglas Hogg: In Great Britain, local authorities were responsible for the enforcement of hygiene regulations in abattoirs until 1 April 1995, when responsibility was transferred to the newly established Meat Hygiene Service. Information on any prosecutions of abattoirs which may have been brought between 1985 and 1 April 1995 is not held centrally. Since 1 April 1995, whilst there have been several prosecutions on BSE-related matters, there have, to date, been no prosecutions of abattoirs for failure to comply with the hygiene requirements of the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995, as amended. In Northern Ireland, no prosecutions have been brought against operators of abattoirs for failure to comply with the hygiene requirements

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21679; 292 c953W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Inspections Hygiene Food Prosecutions Meat Slaughterhouses Meat Hygiene Service
Legislation: Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1995