MP David Ward speaks out over animal by-products (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

MP David Ward speaks out over animal by-products

3:49pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News

Bradford East MP David Ward is pushing the Government to improve its handling of animal by-products health certificates, claiming issuing delays are harmful to businesses.

He joined forces with Bradford Chamber of Commerce to press the Minister for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, David Heath, on the matter.

Mr Ward said: “I was delighted to be able to arrange the meeting to allow representatives from Bradford Chamber of Commerce to put forward their views directly to a Government minister.

“I have no doubt that their contribution on this issue will help the Government improve its procedure on health certificates.”

Mike Cartwright, policy and representation executive at Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “We were able to demonstrate, with some good case studies, how businesses are being delayed in turning around orders due to the process of getting vet approval for these animal by-products.

“The minister agreed that the service is not perfect but stopped short of committing more resource to it, other than confirming a new online application service will be launched next year.

”That is being welcomed by businesses but we think that more can be done and we’ll continue lobbying on this matter. The offer to visit the DEFRA centre in Carlisle that processes these certificates is being considered and so we hope to make further progress on the matter soon.”