As a former production engineer in manufacturing industry, I am well aware of the problems of slowing down production lines, which is usually done to improve the quality of the product. However, we acknowledge that it is not easy to remove the spinal cord from sheep, which is why we asked Bristol university and the Meat and Livestock Commission to undertake trials on methods of removing spinal cord. SEAC took those results into account when advising the Government, and copies of that research were made available to the industry. We recently completed consultation on implementing those controls in Great Britain. Needless to say, when introducing legislation, we shall take fully into account what has been said, including what hon.
Members say today.
The Government have concluded that the cost can no longer be borne by the taxpayer. We therefore propose that from the start of the next financial year, the cost should be recouped from the industry, as is currently done in respect of Meat Hygiene Service inspections. To that end, we shall soon be consulting on draft legislation. It will be genuine consultation, taking note of the industry's concerns. The United Kingdom's main worry in adopting the Commission's decision has been about its effect on the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.