Threat to Meat Quality Real - Thurso

12.00.00am GMT Tue 3rd Dec 2002

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP, John Thurso, today questioned Health Minister Hazel Blears, MP on the manner in which the Meat Hygiene Service had withdrawn OVS (Official Veterinary Surgeon) contracts at abattoirs in Scotland from established veterinary surgeon practices and awarded them to a company supplying single, newly qualified OVS practitioners.

In his Question to the Minister, John Thurso said:

"Is the Minister aware of the widespread concern expressed by vets throughout Scotland regarding the manner in which the recent award of OVS contracts has been conducted, in particular reports that some vets were pressurised to lower their tenders? Does not this kind of horse-trading pose a real threat to the provision of a quality service and to the future quality of meat for human consumption?"

Speaking after the exchange, John Thurso said:

"The Minister stated that the tender process took place according to 'approved procedure'. If this is the manner in which Government agencies conduct business, it is very worrying indeed. I shall be writing further to the Minister to present additional evidence which suggests that quality is very firmly being sacrificed for financial gain."