Written question asked by Peter Atkinson (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 May 1996. It was answered by Viscount Hailsham (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 May 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: What were the results of the State Veterinary Service's visits to abattoirs to monitor the handling of specified bovine materials in the period January to April 1996. - Including figures and fact that I will ensure that a note is placed in the Library of the House regularly to update these figures.

Answer: Mr. Peter Atkinson: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the results of the state veterinary service's visits to abattoirs to monitor the handling of specified bovine materials in the period January to April 1996; and if he will make a statement.[29687] Mr Douglas Hogg: The State Veterinary Service is continuing its programme of unannounced visits to all plants handling specified bovine material. In the first four months of 1996, 1,196 visits to abattoirs have been recorded. Of these, 1,148 or 96 per cent. found the handling of SBM to be fully satisfactory. Of the four per cent. of cases where deficiencies were reported, not all-- for instance, poor record keeping--presented a risk to public or animal health. There were only four incidents recorded where pieces of spinal cord had not been completely removed from the spinal canal. No such incidents have been reported since 20 March, some seven weeks ago. I will ensure that a note is placed in the Library of the House regularly to update these figures.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 29687; 277 c407W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Cattle Animal products Inspections Diseases Offal Slaughterhouses BSE
Contains statistics: Yes