The MHS have issued details on the changeover in charging as we prepare to move, as I see it subject to agreement, from unit cost charge to an hourly rate. One doesn't need to be a genius to see how this will pan out over the coming months. Although the MHS through their Business Managers are trying to persuade the likes of myself as a Food Business Operator (FBO) that hours are negotiable, human nature being what it is, the MHS will will gradually ratchet up the hours. Wouldn't you?



As it stands, the MHS have deployed at my relatively small plant three full-time officials, one vet and two meat inspectors. The fact that this is a scandelous waste of resources can be discussed at length another time. To be fair, the MHS have told me that this manning situation can be reviewed, the potential downside here being that I fear I will be forced into signing a Business Agreement to bring that into effect.



So, plenty to discuss. But let's assume that manning will stay as it is. Notwithstanding the fact that the vet nowadays does no physical work at all, and that the meat inspectors, through no fault of their own, are not allowed to trim ,wash or do anything other than inspect, the cost of placing these three officials at my abattoir costs between you as the tax payer and me as the FBO nearly FOUR THOUSAND POUNDS PER WEEK.!!

Meat inspectors have the training and indeed do a competent quality -control job in the production of fresh meat destined for our butchers shops, supermarkets, etc. The simple fact is despite the nature of the workings of an abattoir, the production of fresh meat heading down the food chain line is one of very low risk, in public health terms, to the consumer, and one day, that very important truth must come into the debate on the future of meat inspection in this country.

Meanwhile, are their any taxpayers out their who want to question these massive costs to him or her? You're making the biggest contribution by far. Give me as FBO the opportunity and I will prove that with one well trained technical employee, Ican run my business well and satisfy all legal requirements.