Written question asked by Gavin Strang (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 1 November 1996. It was answered by Viscount Hailsham (Conservative) on Friday, 1 November 1996 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: If he will make it his policy to ensure that a twin bladed saw is used to remove the spinal column from all cattle carcasses destined for human or animal consumption.

Answer: Dr. Strang: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to ensure that a twin-bladed saw is used to remove the spinal column from all cattle carcases destined for human or animal consumption. [234] Mr. Douglas Hogg: A prototype twin bladed saw is still under development and evaluation. A number of technical and practical issues have yet to be overcome. Not until these have been successfully resolved will we be in a position to consider the circumstances in which such equipment might be used.

Secondary information