Ministerial decisions to limit increases in MHS charges to the rate of inflation have anticipated these changes. We recommend that a small task force is established, with industry involvement, to explore in more detail, within a specified deadline, all the issues surrounding a capping approach to charging. The terms of reference should also permit it to consider alternative ways of alleviating the excessive costs faced by low volume plants. The report of the independent task group chaired by Colin Maclean published on 26 June. We recommend that there should be an independent element to the internal MHS appeals mechanism.
Interim arrangements are in place while proposals are developed.
In developing future MHS targets, we recommend that the industry should be involved. We recommend that the Government reconsider the need for SRM controls in sheep, given the theoretical nature of the risk as well as the decline of the BSE epidemic in cattle. Controls on SRM are kept under constant review. Any changes will be based on scientific advice. The Report is now with Ministers.