SMALL ABATTOIRS AND ORGANIC MEAT PRODUCERS

Early day motion 991, tabled 18 July 2000 by Geraint Davies (Labour). Signed by 158 members.

That this House acknowledges the vital role of small independent abattoirs in supporting small farms, including those specialising in organic production; accepts their importance in relation to consumer choice and providing a sufficient affordable range of organic meat products; recognises their role in supporting animal welfare, rare breeds and biodiversity; notes that the current charging structure for Meat Hygiene Service inspections discriminates against small abattoirs; and calls upon the Government to adopt a per head charging system in line with other EU countries to reverse the decline of small abattoirs and to support small organic producers.

Signatures by party: Labour 93, Liberal Democrat 27, Conservative 15, Labour/Co-operative 10, UUP 5, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, UKUP 1, Unknown 1.