Mr Chairperson, the UDM supports this Bill because the aims and objectives will enable meat consumers to access disease-free meat and meat products which will be safe and healthy for human consumption. Consumers will therefore be afforded the opportunity to enjoy their right to health, which is a basic fundamental right in terms of section 27 of the Constitution.
There are, however, a few observations I wish to share with the Minister and the House. As already mentioned, the provisions of clause 7 are the most important in the Bill. I wish to share the same sentiments with hon members.
However, I wish to submit to this House that the current appalling unsanitary conditions under which slaughtering and meat handling take place at funerals and church conferences are condoned in terms of clause of section 7(2)(a). The categories of meat consumers mentioned under clause 7(2)(a) are equally susceptible to bovine parasites such as tapeworms. The crux of the matter is that people should consume disease-free meat regardless of whether it has been bought over the counter or slaughtered for funeral or wedding purposes.
Slaughtering or handling of meat carcasses must be subjected to the same hygienic practices. Furthermore, my understanding is that abattoirs are graded from A to F. This Bill will succeed in the enforcement of stringent hygienic practices at abattoirs registered according to grades A and B, which are appropriate to metropolitan needs. Grade D and E would be appropriate to rural conditions because of the lower number of beasts slaughtered per day.
The need for the establishment of the slaughter poles for grades D and E cannot be over emphasised given the hygiene of slaughtering practices in the villages. Slaughter poles can be established at strategic locations to serve a number of villages. This will undoubtedly promote hygiene awareness. Veterinary technicians can carry out meat inspections and monitor hygiene practices at these abattoirs or slaughter poles.
Lastly, the Bill advocates the use of agencies outside the sphere of government to handle the task of meat inspection and the monitoring of sanitary conditions within slaughtering premises. This move is welcomed on the bases of the reasons mentioned in this Bill. May I, however, warn that this process or arrangement must not culminate in a situation where the abattoir and assignee agents clinch a business deal or venture ultimately prejudicing the people's right to have access to healthy meat. Otherwise, the UDM supports this Bill. [Applause.]