Rapid disappearance of small abattoirs, quietly welcomed by large operators, provokes increasing protest from some corners of the industry. The National Federation of Meat and Food Traders, representing independent butchers and some of the little slaughterhouses, criticises the Food Standards Agency for appointing to its Meat Inspection Charges Task Force members who come mostly from the large volume sector "and may thus find it more difficult" to understand the needs of the small volume plant operators, whose hopes are pinned on this organisation forcing through some reduction in charges. {{MEAT }}