FUTURE OF SMALL INDEPENDENT ABATTOIRS

Early day motion 187, tabled 13 December 1999 by Huw Edwards (Labour). Signed by 52 members.

That this House acknowledges the vital role that small independent abattoirs play in supporting local farmers and the rural economy; expresses concern at the high level of charges currently imposed by the Meat Hygiene Service, particularly in relation to veterinary charges; notes that such charges are endangering the future of small independent abattoirs; and urges the Government to take action to prevent small abattoirs from closing, and in particular to absorb the meat hygiene charges currently levied, on the basis that these are essential to the maintenance of public health and should not be an unnecessary burden on the farming industry.

Signatures by party: Labour 34, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 4, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1, Unknown 1.