Selby MP John Grogan is calling for Government assistance for smaller abattoirs amid fears that a slaughterhouse in his Selby constituency could be closed down.

A task force set up by the Food Standards Agency to look at meat hygiene inspection charges has concluded that the cost of veterinary supervision in licensed meat plants seriously threatens the future viability of many small and medium-sized abattoirs.

The conclusions have been endorsed by the owners of Milford Farm Produce, of Scat House farm, South Milford, who wrote to Mr Grogan expressing their concerns. Milford Farm Produce partner Charles Woodall said the MHS's inspection costs were billed at £50 an hour for each vet.

He said: "These hours are determined by the MHS, and we have at least two visits per week at the moment. We are aware of at least two smaller licensed premises that have had to close down in recent months, and we feel we may be the next victim."

Mr Woodall said his was a small family business, employing 17 staff, and had already invested £150,000 in a new cutting room.

The task force recommends that instead of paying an hourly rate, all abattoirs and cutting plants should be charged the standard fees laid down in the EU Charges Directive.

The Food Standards Agency is now considering the recommendations, which would cost the Government £19m.

Mr Grogan said that to comply with EU meat hygiene directives, the MHS was imposing 100pc veterinary cover by next year on all but the smallest abattoirs.

Many faced a doubling of charges, and it was estimated that all but 75 of the current 400 abattoirs in the UK faced closure.