Review needed to examine Welsh abattoir reforms - says committee report

3 June 2010

A National Assembly for Wales report has called for a review of how legislation governing abattoirs is implemented in Wales .

The cross-party Rural Development Sub-Committee conducted an inquiry into animal welfare and meat hygiene and today presents its findings.

In particular the Committee is concerned about a threat to the subsidies which are currently provided to Welsh abattoirs and slaughterhouses by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

These subsidies are due to be phased out by the FSA in the near future and it is unclear whether the Welsh Government has any plans to replace them or put in place contingencies to support the industry after they end.

“The evidence presented to the Committee suggested that all but three of Wales’s abattoirs would disappear if these subsidies do not continue in one form or another,” said Rhodri Glyn Thomas, Chair of the Rural Development Sub-Committee.

“We also heard from farmers who are worried that any additional costs from trying to cover the subsidies gap would be handed onto them.

“I would urge the Welsh Government to set up a review group with members from all parts of the meat industry to examine legislation and any possible reforms within the current EU framework.

“We must ensure the highest standards of animal welfare and meat hygiene are delivered in the most efficient manner, while protecting Wales’s network of small and medium sized abattoirs.”

The Committee makes 8 recommendations within its report: They include:

- The Welsh Government to use all means at its disposal to prevent the FSA from implementing full cost recovery and removing its subsidy to the industry until an alternative mechanism for subsidising the cost of controls had been put in place.

- The Welsh Government develop a mechanism for subsidising the industry that will secure the future of Welsh abattoirs, with support being prioritised for small and medium sized operations which serve local markets.

- The Welsh Government to look into the possibility of devolving responsibility for enforcing animal welfare and meat hygiene legislation in respect of animals at slaughter to it, and to request the transfer of powers from the UK Government should the Welsh Government’s review find that such a move would be beneficial.

The full report can be viewed here: