asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish draft slaughterhouse regulations for Scotland in advance of the publication of the Scottish Slaughterhouses Bill, as has been done in England and Wales.

There is no prospect of a Scottish Slaughterhouses Bill being tabled in the current Session. It is, therefore, rather too early to be specific about the arrangements to be made in advance. I shall, however, consider this matter nearer the appropriate time.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of Command Paper 243, which applies to England and Wales and which was published by the Minister of Agriculture for England four months before the introduction of the Slaughterhouses Bill, thus giving prior notice to those who wish to put their slaughterhouses in order in England and Wales what the conditions would be? Would it not be very helpful to those interested in slaughterhouses—mainly local authorities—in Scotland to know what the standards will be?

I think it would be unwise to give any undertaking such as my hon. Friend suggests so far ahead. I would, however, add that any slaughterhouse owner, whether public or private, can communicate with me and I will arrange for him in due course to be given such guidance, if possible, in advance of legislation.