Written question asked by Owen Paterson (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 November 2000. It was answered by Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston (Labour) on Thursday, 30 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the impact on the commercial liability of abattoirs of the Restriction on Pithing (England) Regulations 2000 with specific reference to (a) small abattoirs and (b) large abattoirs; and if he will make a statement. (Holding answer 22 November 2000).

Answer: Mr. Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on the commercial liability of abattoirs of the Restriction on Pithing (England) Regulations 2000 with specific reference to (a) small abattoirs and (b) large abattoirs; and if he will make a statement. [139619] Ms Stuart: [holding answer 22 November 2000]: The Food Standards Agency is conducting a consultation exercise on the introduction of the Restriction on Pithing (England) Regulations 2000. One of the main purposes of the consultation is to obtain information, direct from those most affected, on the possible impact of the new legislation. The consultation documents specifically request information on the financial implications to both small and large abattoirs, and in particular asks if modifications to slaughterline procedures will be required. Once the consultation exercise ends on 30 November, the Agency will closely examine the responses it has received and make an assessment on the commercial impact on abattoirs of all sizes.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c889W; 139619
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Liability Health and safety Disease control Equipment EU action Working conditions Safety measures Slaughterhouses BSE
Legislation: Restriction on Pithing (England) Regulations 2000
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk