PRIVATISATION OF MEAT INSPECTION

Early day motion 274, tabled 30 January 2001 by David Taylor (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 83 members.

That this House notes European Commission proposals which could hand over responsibility of meat inspection to the abattoir industry; believes that independence in meat inspection is of critical importance to maintaining safety standards; is concerned that self-regulation, as proposed by the Commission, would lead to a fall in the standards of meat hygiene and an increased threat to public health; is particularly concerned about the greater risk of meat related food-borne illnesses such as e-coli and BSE were meat inspection to be privatised; also notes that in the USA and Australia the privatisation of meat inspection has not been shown to improve meat hygiene or consumer protection; calls upon the Government to launch an independent inquiry into the impact of the Commission's proposals; and further calls on the Government to allow full and proper parliamentary debate in relation to these proposals.

Signatures by party: Labour 70, Labour/Co-operative 6, Liberal Democrat 3, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 2.